Sokoto Police Arrest Counterfeiting Gang Linked to Cult

The Sokoto State Police Command arrested four suspects involved in a counterfeiting gang connected to the notorious Sai Mallam cult group. The arrests occurred during a raid on May 19, 2023, in the Mai 19 Mana area of Sokoto metropolis, based on intelligence provided by residents.

The suspects were identified as Saifullahi, Aminu, Dallatu, Ahmad, Sarkin Aski, and Muhammadu Lawali, known as Gunda, from Dang Shuni Local Government Area. Police recovered various exhibits, including fake CFA currency, counterfeit U.S. dollars, naira notes, charms, fake gold stones, SIM cards, ATM cards, and a magic box allegedly used to produce fake money.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to deceiving victims through a fake money doubling scheme. Separately, on May 20, police operations in Binji Local Government Area thwarted a bandit attack, rescuing two residents, Umar Faruku and Husa Abdullahi, who had been abducted.

The victims sustained minor injuries and were treated at a hospital.