Kano, Nigeria — The Kano State Police Command has arrested a five-man syndicate that allegedly posed as police officers to extort unsuspecting members of the public across three North-West states.
Command spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna said the suspects—Aliyu Abbas, Sani Iliyasu, Ashiru Sule, Abubakar Yahaya, and Adamu Kalilu—were apprehended after intelligence-led operations. The group is accused of parading themselves as personnel using fake police warrant cards to intimidate and extract money from victims in Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna States.
Haruna said the arrests followed multiple complaints and that exhibits, including counterfeit identification, were recovered. He added that investigators are working to identify additional victims and any accomplices, with the suspects expected to face charges related to impersonation, conspiracy, and extortion.
The command urged residents who may have been targeted to come forward and assist with the investigation, and reminded the public that identity verification can be requested from any officer during encounters.
Further details, including court arraignment dates, will be released as the investigation progresses, the spokesperson said.
