Gov Bala Mohammed suspends issuance of business ID cards in Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the production and issuance of Unified Business Identification Cards across the state following reports of fraudulent activities linked to the scheme.
The directive was announced in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security, Babayo Liman, and made available to journalists in Bauchi on Friday.
According to the statement, the suspension became necessary after intelligence reports indicated that some individuals were allegedly producing fake identification cards and using them to extort money from traders and business owners.
The Unified Business Identification Card initiative was originally introduced by the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed to strengthen internal security and improve the identification of legitimate business operators across the state.
However, investigations revealed that fraudulent actors were collecting about ₦3,000 from traders under the false claim that they were acting on behalf of the state government and the Department of Internal Security.
“In response, the governor has approved the immediate suspension of the production and issuance of the ID cards pending a full review and investigation,” the statement said.
Liman added that the exercise would now be handled by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to ensure proper monitoring, transparency, and accountability.
He also urged members of the public to report anyone involved in extortion, warning that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.