Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has approved the immediate suspension of the production and issuance of Unified Business Identification Cards across the state following reports of alleged fraud and extortion linked to the exercise.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security, Babayo Liman.

According to the statement, the suspension became necessary after reports emerged that some individuals were allegedly producing fake identification cards and using them to extort money from traders and business owners in the state.

Liman explained that the Unified Business Identification Card initiative was originally introduced by the Bauchi State Government to strengthen internal security and improve the identification of business operators across the state.

However, investigations reportedly uncovered that fraudulent persons were collecting about N3,000 from traders while falsely claiming to be acting on behalf of the state government and the Department of Internal Security.

“In response, the state governor has approved an immediate suspension of the production and issuance of the ID cards pending a full review and investigation,” the statement read.

The governor’s aide further disclosed that the exercise would henceforth be handled by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to ensure proper monitoring, transparency and accountability.

Liman also urged residents and members of the business community to report anyone involved in extortion or illegal collection of money in connection with the identification card scheme.

He warned that anyone found culpable would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.