Kano Court Convicts Bulama Abdulrahman for ₦35m Fraud: A Blow to Fake Auctioneering

Kano Court Convicts Bulama Abdulrahman for ₦35m Fraud: A Blow to Fake Auctioneering

In a landmark decision by the Kano State High Court, Justice Nasiru Saminu has convicted Bulama Abdulrahman—a notorious fake auctioneer—for defrauding victims of a staggering ₦35 million. Abdulrahman, who posed as an EFCC-assigned auctioneer to sell properties forfeited to the Federal Government, has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine. The ruling marks another significant step in the fight against fraud and fraudulent practices in Nigeria.


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Unpacking the Charges and Testimonies

The case centered on two charges linked to intent to defraud and obtaining money under false pretenses. Key details include:

Fraudulent Transaction: On or about June 2023 in Kano, Abdulrahman allegedly defrauded Safiyanu Abdullahi of Tauraro and Property Limited by falsely claiming he had the EFCC’s consent to auction off a fenced, uncompleted building at Rijiyar Zaki.

Financial Misconduct: Investigations revealed that Abdulrahman misappropriated ₦20 million from the victim under this false pretense, among other dubious transactions that totaled ₦35 million.

Witness Testimony:

Mr. Ahmed Yero, a Chief Investigator with the NDLEA, testified that evidence from multiple bank accounts—allegedly controlled by Abdulrahman—clearly indicated fraudulent financial inflows.

Despite pleading not guilty, Abdulrahman’s lone testimony could not withstand the weight of evidence and corroborative witness accounts presented by prosecution counsel Musa Isah.



Abdulrahman’s defense argued for leniency, highlighting his status as a PhD student at Nasarawa State University. However, the court, convinced by the overwhelming evidence, convicted him on one count and acquitted him on the other, imposing a strict sentence and ordering him to pay restitution of ₦35 million to the victim. Failure to pay this restitution will result in an additional seven-year prison term.


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The Broader Implications: Tracking and Bringing Fraudsters to Justice

The conviction of Bulama Abdulrahman is not just an isolated win against fraud; it also sets a precedent for how similar cases can—and should—be handled. In the ongoing fight against fraudulent activities, transparency and accountability are paramount. Here are some key measures and sources that can aid in tracking perpetrators of similar crimes:

1. Official Platforms and Websites

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC):
The EFCC website (efcc.gov.ng) regularly updates its press releases and news on fraud-related cases. Monitoring this portal can provide timely insights and alerts on similar fraudulent activities.

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA):
For cases involving financial misconduct linked to other crimes, the NDLEA’s updates and bulletins are invaluable in tracking evidence and prosecuting offenders.


2. Enhanced Surveillance and Digital Tools

Bank Verification Number (BVN) Tracking:
Utilizing digital tools to trace bank accounts through BVN systems can help uncover discrepancies in financial transactions that point to fraudulent practices.

Bodycams and Digital Recording Devices:
Encouraging law enforcement agencies to use bodycams during operations not only boosts transparency but also ensures that evidence is reliably recorded. Officers who neglect these protocols should face strict sanctions.


3. Public-Private Partnerships

Collaboration with Financial Institutions:
Banks and financial institutions are pivotal in detecting unusual transaction patterns. Strengthening cooperation between these entities and law enforcement can lead to quicker identification of fraudulent schemes.


4. Public Awareness and Reporting Channels

Hotlines and Digital Reporting Platforms:
Citizens should be encouraged to report suspicious activities through dedicated hotlines and secure online portals provided by agencies like the EFCC.

Community Outreach Programs:
Regular orientation and awareness campaigns can empower the public with knowledge about fraud prevention and their rights, ensuring that similar cases are promptly reported and investigated.



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A Step Forward in the Fight Against Fraud

The conviction of Bulama Abdulrahman sends a strong message to fraudsters: Nigerian courts and law enforcement agencies are committed to upholding justice. As the case underscores the need for transparent operations and stringent tracking of fraudulent activities, it is imperative for stakeholders—from government agencies to the public—to leverage modern digital tools and maintain vigilant oversight.

By utilizing official sources like the EFCC website, embracing advanced forensic and surveillance methods, and fostering public-private partnerships, Nigeria can better track, prosecute, and deter perpetrators of fraud. Ultimately, such measures not only safeguard the financial integrity of the nation but also restore public confidence in the justice system.

For further updates and more stories on fraud prevention and prosecution, visit efcc.gov.ng.