Police in Kano have arrested a 31-year-old man, Salisu Bala, who had been impersonating as police officer to extort and terrorize residents in the state.
Bala was apprehended by members of the Police Special Constabulary at Koki Quarters, where he was found wearing a black uniform and a camouflage peak cap.
According to the spokesperson for the Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Bala had been posing as a member of the Police Special Constabulary.
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His arrest followed several public complaints about impostors extorting money in areas like Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters.
Kiyawa explained, “Reports of public outcry were received by the Kano State Police Command regarding unscrupulous individuals masquerading as members of the Police Special Constabulary and extorting money from the public, particularly in Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters.”
Upon receiving these reports, Commissioner of Police Salman Dogo Garba ordered intensified efforts to arrest the suspects.
Bala, a resident of Kurna Quarters, was arrested on October 14, 2024, around 8:30 p.m. During the operation, authorities discovered that Bala had not only been impersonating an officer but was also involved in drug use. Four sets of police uniforms were recovered from his residence.
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The Kano State Police Command emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for impersonation and extortion, urging anyone who had been a victim of Bala or had information about his activities to come forward.
Residents are also encouraged to report suspicious activities using the emergency contact numbers provided by the police.