In a recent development, the Kano State Police Command arrested a 42-year-old man, Hamisu Ibrahim, for pretending to be a police officer. Ibrahim had been operating in the Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano, where he tricked people into believing he could help them secure bail for their relatives.
The police spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, shared details of the arrest on November 19, 2024. Ibrahim had been using this scam to extort money from unsuspecting individuals. He posed as a police officer working at a local court and offered to assist people with bail processes. However, his real motive was to take advantage of their trust and demand payment for services he never intended to provide.
The Kano police have taken Ibrahim into custody, and investigations are ongoing. His arrest highlights the ongoing issue of impersonation and fraud, particularly in situations where people are vulnerable and seeking legal help.
“On 18/11/2024 at about 01:30pm, a credible information was received about a suspicious individual parading himself as a Police Officer attached to a Court in Ungogo LGA, Kano State and extorting unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement read.
“Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Salman Dogo Garba, directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ungogo Division to ensure the arrest the suspect.
“Consequently, the suspect one Hamisu Ibrahim, ‘m’, aged 42 years old, of Jangaru Village in Ungogo LGA, Kano State was arrested. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had been extorting money from innocent citizens by posing as a Court Duty Police Officer. Two persons so far testified that the suspect had extorted money from them in the guise of assisting them to secure bail of their relatives.
“This arrest is a testament to the commitment of the Police Command to sanitizing the system, protecting the public, and rooting out individuals who determine to undermine the good work of the Police in Kano State. Furthermore, the Command will remain dedicated to safeguarding the public and maintaining law and order in the State.
“Finally, the Commissioner of Police while appreciating the good people of Kano State for their cooperation and support, warns that impersonation and other criminal activities will not be tolerated, as perpetrators will be trailed, arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“He further urged everyone to continue to promptly report suspicious activities or individuals impersonating Police Officers to the nearest Police Station or through the following contact numbers; 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.”
