The Gombe State Police Command has arrested eight young men for allegedly stealing mobile phones and using them to fraudulently obtain loans and withdraw funds from victims’ bank accounts in Akko Local Government Area. The arrests, made following a series of reported thefts in Wuro Birji community, highlight a growing concern over digital fraud linked to physical device theft in Nigeria. The suspects, aged between 18 and 25, are accused of exploiting stolen phones to access victims’ financial information and drain their accounts. The police disclosed that the total amount stolen through these means reached N491,995, comprising N296,790 withdrawn from bank accounts and N205,205 obtained through instant loan applications.
DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday, July 5, 2026. He stated that the investigation began after residents of Wuro Birji reported that their mobile phones had been stolen. The police quickly established a pattern: the stolen devices were being used to access banking apps and social media platforms, allowing the suspects to initiate unauthorized transactions. The suspects allegedly used the victims’ biometric data, passwords, and personal identification numbers to bypass security systems and gain access to sensitive financial information.
One of the key suspects, 19-year-old Mustapha Kabiru, is a Computer Science student at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Kaltungo. His arrest was a major breakthrough in the investigation, as he reportedly played a central role in coordinating the fraudulent activities. According to the police, Kabiru had technical knowledge that enabled him to bypass security measures on mobile banking applications. His arrest led to the identification and apprehension of seven other individuals believed to be involved in the crime ring.
The police emphasized that the suspects operated with a high degree of coordination, often dividing roles between theft, data extraction, and financial withdrawal. While eight suspects are currently in custody, authorities are still searching for additional individuals believed to be part of the network. The investigation is ongoing, and the police have urged residents to remain vigilant and protect their mobile devices. They also advised the public to regularly update passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid sharing personal information online.
This case underscores the increasing sophistication of cybercrime in Nigeria, where physical theft is now often a precursor to digital fraud. As mobile banking becomes more widespread, criminals are adapting their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in both physical and digital security. The Gombe State Police Command has pledged to intensify efforts to combat such crimes and ensure justice for victims. The arrests serve as a warning to others involved in similar activities, and authorities expect this case to lead to broader reforms in digital security practices across the state.
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