In a recent development that has shocked the people of Kano State, a man has been arrested for impersonating a police officer and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public.
The suspect, identified as Salisu Bala, was parading himself as a member of the Police Special Constabulary.
His activities have drawn widespread concern across Kano, as he targeted vulnerable individuals, particularly in Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters.
The arrest comes as a result of numerous complaints from the public, who have fallen victim to his fraudulent schemes.
The news of Salisu Bala’s arrest was confirmed by the spokesman of the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
Kiyawa stated that the police had received multiple reports about Bala’s illegal activities.
“Reports of public outcry were received by the Kano State Police Command regarding some unscrupulous persons who were masquerading as members of the Police Special Constabulary and extorting money from members of the public,” Kiyawa revealed.
He mentioned that these complaints came mainly from residents of Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters within Kano Metropolis.
The suspect was caught wearing a black police uniform, complete with a camouflage peak cap.
Further investigations revealed that Bala was neither a legitimate police officer nor a member of the Police Special Constabulary.
Instead, he was an impostor, taking advantage of the trust people had in law enforcement to carry out his illegal activities.
Upon receiving complaints from the public, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, CP Salman Dogo Garba, swiftly ordered the Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas to take immediate action.
He directed them to intensify efforts to ensure the arrest of Bala and other such impostors operating in the state.
The arrest was made at Koki Quarters, where police officers from the real Special Constabulary apprehended Bala while he was dressed in the unauthorized police uniform.
It is believed that the suspect had been extorting money from members of the public for some time before his arrest.
SP Kiyawa explained that during the investigation, four different sets of police uniforms were discovered at Bala’s residence, further confirming his fraudulent activities.
The arrest of Bala has sparked reactions from the people of Kano, who were shocked to learn that someone had been using the name of the police to extort money from them.
Many residents expressed their relief at the arrest, thanking the police for acting swiftly to bring the impostor to justice.
In response to the arrest, the Kano State Police Command has reassured the public that such acts of impersonation and extortion will not be tolerated.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, emphasized that the police will continue to take proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of all residents in the state.
“The Kano State Police Command will not tolerate impersonation or extortion by individuals claiming to be police officers or members of the Police Special Constabulary,” CP Garba stated.
