6 suspects arrested as police uncovers SIM card syndicate in Kano

Friday, November 7, 2025 - The Kano State Police Command has smashed a SIM card syndicate, arrested six suspects and recovered N1.7m. 

The spokesperson of the command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, October 5, 2025 said the success followed a complaint by a victim that the syndicate stole his SIM Card and fraudulently withdrew over N5.7m from his bank.

According to the PPRO, the suspects also deceive victims, obtain their personal details such as BVN and NIN, and use these to open fraudulent bank accounts. 

"The Kano State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against cybercrime with the arrest of a six-member syndicate specialized in SIM Card fraud and bank-related scams,” the statement read.

"This success follows a complaint lodged by one Nura Abdullahi of Kabuga Quarters, Kano on 28th October 2025, who reported the theft of his MTN SIM Card and fraudulent withdrawal of N5,750,000 from his bank account.

"The investigation uncovered the involvement of six accomplices who conspired to deceive victims, obtain their personal details such as BVN and NIN, and use these to open fraudulent bank accounts, obtain ATM Cards, and execute illegal transactions.

"The arrested suspects are: i. Mubarak Saleh, 25, of Rimin Auzinawa Quarters, Kano. ii. Babangida Lawan, 30, of Kabuga Quarters, Kano. iii. Ahmad Shehu Adamu, 36, of Tudun Yola Quarters, Kano. iv. Ezra Titus, 43, of Sabongari Quarters, Kano. v. Abubakar Abdullahi Abdul, 37, of Giginyu Quarters, Kano. vi. Ahmad Abdullahi, 26 years old, of Kabuga Quarters Kano.

"During the operation, six mobile phones and the sum of one million seven hundred thousand naira (N1,700,000) were recovered from the suspects.

"The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, sfipma, mnim, mnips, masis, commended the efforts of the investigating team for its professionalism and swift action. He also calls on residents of Kano State to remain vigilant and cautious of fraudsters who deceive innocent people into divulging sensitive personal details, including their BVN and NIN.

“The Command assures the public that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation. The Kano State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, especially the financial security of all residents.”