The Borno State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with the alleged theft of a mobile phone and the unlawful withdrawal of ₦5.65 million from the owner's bank account in Maiduguri, the state capital.
The command confirmed on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, that the stolen phone and the entire amount allegedly withdrawn had been recovered following an investigation involving digital forensic analysis and intelligence gathering.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Nahum Kenneth Daso, the incident occurred on October 13, 2026, at approximately 9 a.m.
The victim, identified as Abba K., reportedly boarded a commercial tricycle, popularly known as Keke NAPEP, along Damboa Road in Maiduguri.
After alighting from the tricycle, he discovered that his Infinix Smart 8 mobile phone was missing from his pocket.
The victim subsequently reported the incident to the police, prompting the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, to direct operatives of the command's Violent Crime Response Unit, also known as the Crack Unit, to investigate.
Police said the operatives used digital forensic techniques, intelligence gathering and other investigative measures to identify and apprehend six individuals allegedly connected to the theft and subsequent financial transactions.
During questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted involvement in stealing the mobile phone and unlawfully withdrawing ₦5,650,000 from the victim's bank account.
The police further alleged that the suspects disclosed that they had shared the money among themselves after withdrawing it.
Despite the reported distribution of the funds, investigators recovered the entire ₦5.65 million, alongside the missing mobile phone.
The command did not disclose the identities or ages of the six suspects, nor did it explain the precise method allegedly used to gain access to the victim's bank account.
It also did not specify whether the money was transferred electronically, withdrawn through automated teller machines or obtained through other banking channels.
Those details remain relevant to understanding how the alleged theft of a mobile phone resulted in the unauthorised withdrawal of such a substantial amount.
The police described the arrests and recovery as a significant development in their efforts to combat mobile phone theft, criminal conspiracy and financial fraud in the state.
According to the command, investigations are continuing, and the suspects will be charged before a court upon their conclusion.
The statement did not indicate whether formal charges had already been filed or specify a date for their arraignment.
Although the police reported that the suspects confessed during questioning, the allegations remain subject to judicial determination, and all six individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The incident highlights the financial risks that can arise when a stolen mobile phone provides unauthorised individuals with access to sensitive personal information or banking services.
Mobile devices are increasingly used for financial transactions, including banking applications, electronic transfers and account verification.
Consequently, the loss of a phone may expose its owner to additional risks where security protections are compromised.
However, the Borno Police Command has not established publicly how the suspects allegedly accessed the victim's financial information, making it inappropriate to attribute the reported withdrawals to any particular security weakness.
The command advised residents to exercise caution when using public transportation and to report suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police station.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that security operations would continue against individuals suspected of criminal activities.
For the victim, the recovery of the phone and the entire amount allegedly withdrawn represents an important development, although the police did not specify when the recovered money would be formally returned to him.
The case is expected to proceed to court after investigators complete their inquiries.
Stone Reporters News will continue to monitor developments, including the filing of charges and any subsequent court proceedings.
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