‘Snake’ In The Net: Bauchi Police Nab Notorious Facebook Fraudster In Cybercrime Sting
In a sweeping move that underscores the growing sophistication of Nigeria’s cybercrime units, Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a notorious online scammer who operated under the alias “Snake.”
For over six years, 25-year-old Umar Yau, a serial cybercriminal based in Bauchi, eluded law enforcement while orchestrating dozens of identity theft scams, primarily targeting Facebook users and unsuspecting online buyers. But on June 5, 2025, the long chase came to an end in the Yelwan Makaranta area of Bauchi State, thanks to a tech-fueled, intelligence-driven manhunt by the CP Monitoring Unit under the directive of Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu.
How the Snake Was Tracked
The breakthrough began when an online entrepreneur, Mrs. Fatimah Faiz Ali Bawahab, petitioned the police. Her name and photos had been hijacked by a Facebook impersonator running multiple fake accounts to solicit money from strangers in her name. Victims, unaware of the deception, would send money believing they were dealing with her legitimate business.
One early victim, Nafiu Muhd, raised concerns back in 2022 after being defrauded by a Facebook seller using a First Bank account under the name “Hansatu Yau.” His money vanished — and so did the scammer, blocking all communication.
The pattern intensified in 2023 as more victims contacted Mrs. Bawahab, bewildered by scams linked to her identity. The payments all traced back to the same bank account, signaling a broader criminal network.
That was enough for the Bauchi Police to act.
What Police Found: A One-Man Cybercrime Army
During Umar Yau’s arrest, the detectives uncovered a trove of fraud tools:
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9 ATM cards from different Nigerian banks
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A forged FCMB account form filled using his sister’s name, Maryam Yau, alongside her academic documents
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2 National Identification Number (NIN) cards in his name
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3 voter’s cards with matching identity
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3 brand-new SIM cards
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A ZTE Universal MiFi and smartphone paraphernalia
The evidence painted a clear picture: this wasn’t just a teenager experimenting with petty fraud — it was a calculated and prolonged digital crime enterprise.
His Confession: Over 40 Victims — Including Crypto Traders
During interrogation, Umar confessed to defrauding over 40 victims, many of whom were involved in cryptocurrency transactions. His method was simple but effective: create fake identities, gain trust via social media, then vanish after receiving funds.
From Facebook impersonation to the use of multiple aliases and cloned bank accounts, Umar represents a growing breed of cyber fraudsters taking advantage of Nigeria’s vast digital spaces and weak ID verification loopholes.
Bigger Picture: The New Face of Fraud in Nigeria
This case is just one among many in Nigeria’s ever-evolving cybercrime landscape. With unemployment rising and digital access spreading across both urban and rural areas, fraudsters have more tools — and targets — than ever before.
Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have become a hotbed for identity theft, Ponzi schemes, and fake online vendors. And as this case shows, many scammers no longer operate alone or casually — they prepare documentation, create false identities, and run elaborate digital scams that often mimic real businesses.
What’s Next?
The case has now been transferred to the Kano State Police Command for further investigation. Authorities are likely to dig deeper into the suspect’s digital footprint, potentially uncovering accomplices, more victims, and possibly a wider fraud ring.
Conclusion: Justice Catches Up to the ‘Snake’
Umar Yau’s arrest is a win for digital justice in Nigeria — and a warning to others who think they can hide behind the cloak of fake profiles and SIM cards.
For victims like Mrs. Bawahab, it’s not just about justice — it’s about reclaiming her reputation and warning others of the dangers of unchecked online trust. As social media continues to blur the lines between real and fake, this case reminds us all to verify before we trust, and that even the most slippery snakes eventually get caught.
🔍 Have you ever encountered a fake account pretending to be someone else? Drop your story in the comments. Let’s build awareness together.