The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended a notorious fraudster and identity thief, Umar Yau, popularly known as “Snake,” as it tackles cybercrime in the state.
The suspect, a 25-year-old resident of the Yelwan Makaranta area in Bauchi metropolis, was arrested following a meticulous, technology-driven investigation initiated in response to a petition by a victim of his fraudulent schemes.
Mrs. Fatimah Faiz Ali Bawahab, an online businesswoman, had earlier submitted a complaint to the police. She alleged that a Facebook user had impersonated her, using her name and photographs to operate fraudulent schemes that targeted unsuspecting victims.
Police Spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Wakil, while confirming the arrest on Friday, said the suspect created a fake Facebook account under the username “Amizeebaby Muhd,” through which he advertised non-existent online businesses and lured victims into making payments to fraudulent bank accounts.
He explained that one such incident was reported in March 2022, when a man identified as Nafiu Muhd contacted Mrs. Bawahab after being duped by the suspect. Muhd had transferred money to a First Bank account registered under the name Hansatu Yau, only to be blocked by the account operator afterward.
Wakil said more reports emerged in early 2023, it became evident that someone had been impersonating Mrs. Bawahab online, deceiving victims and collecting funds using bank accounts tied to the names Hansatu Yau, Umar Yau, and platforms like PalmPay and Momo Payment Service Bank. Victims only realized the fraud after reaching out to the real Mrs. Bawahab for confirmation.
Upon receiving the petition, the State Commissioner of Police, Sani Aliyu, ordered the CP Monitoring Unit to launch a thorough and discreet investigation. Employing advanced digital forensic techniques, investigators successfully traced the fraudulent activities to Umar Yau. He was arrested on June 5, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m.
During the arrest, police recovered incriminating evidence, including Nine (9) ATM cards from various financial institutions; a completed FCMB account opening form fraudulently filled out using his sister Maryam Yau’s identity and academic document; two NIN plastic cards and three voter’s cards bearing his detail; three unused SIM card; One ZTE Universal Mobile 4G MiFi device; One Infinix Smart 9 smartphone box
Wakil said during interrogation, Yau confessed to a five-year-long involvement in online fraud. He admitted to defrauding approximately 40 individuals, including through cryptocurrency schemes and deceptive online marketing campaigns.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu commended the efforts of the detectives and reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to tackling cybercrime in the state.
He warned the public to be conscious of online fraud and emphasise that those who engage in digital fraud and impersonation will face the full wrath of the law.
“The Bauchi State Police Command will continue to apply advanced investigative tools and strategies to bring cybercriminals to justice,” said the Commissioner.
Following the preliminary investigation, the Police Command has transferred the suspect and all relevant case files to the Kano State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
WikkiTimes gathered that many victims in Kano have also filed complaints for similar criminal activities against the suspect.
