The Kano State Police Command has apprehended a man impersonating a police officer and extorting members of the public.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Salisu Bala from Kurna Quarters, was arrested on October 14, 2024, at Koki Quarters within Kano Metropolis.
According to a press release signed by SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bala was caught wearing a black police uniform and camouflage peak cap, posing as a member of the Police Special Constabulary.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the suspect is not affiliated with the police force but had been masquerading as an officer to extort money from residents in areas such as Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is neither a Police Officer nor a member of Police Special Constabulary but an impostor masquerading as Police Special Constabulary, extorting unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement read.
The suspect also confessed to being an illicit drug user, and further investigation led to the recovery of four different sets of police uniforms from his residence.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, urged members of the public with complaints against Bala to contact the command.