Police arrest fake officer for impersonation, recruitment scam
Police arrest fake officer for impersonation, recruitment scam 
in Kano
The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, for impersonating a senior police officer and defrauding members of the public.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, a copy of which was made available to The Punch.
“The Kano State Police Command wishes to inform the public of the arrest of one Adamu Musa, 35, of Kureken Sani Quarters, Kano, for impersonating a senior Police Officer and defrauding members of the public.
“On 1st September 2026 at about 1930hrs, the Command received a distress report from No. 52 Police Mobile Force, Challawa Kano.Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Panshekara Police Division mobilized and arrested the suspect for parading himself as a Chief Superintendent of Police,” it said.
According to the statement, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect specialized in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public by presenting himself as a senior officer with influence over Police recruitment and postings.
“To lend credibility to his fraud, the suspect circulated edited photographs and AI-generated images of himself superimposed with very senior strategic commanders of the Nigeria Police Force. He used these doctored pictures, alongside the names of senior officers, to deceive victims into believing he could secure recruitment slots and transfers for a fee,” the statement said.
It added that a diligent search conducted at his premises led to the recovery of the following exhibits; one Pair of Black Jacket Uniform, two oairs of black shoes, one pair of camouflage uniform, one pair of blue uniform top, and cash sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naira.
The suspect is currently in custody, and will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
The Command cautioned members of the public to be wary of fraudsters and impersonators who now use photo editing and AI technology to create fake images with senior officers and to extort money under the guise of recruitment, transfer or posting.
It further reminded the public that recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force is completely free and no officer will ever demand money for enlistment or posting.
“Residents are therefore advised to verify the identity of anyone parading as a Police Officer, especially those wearing uniforms or soliciting money, and to promptly report any suspicious person or activity to the nearest police station.
“The command remains committed to protecting lives and property and to ensuring that criminal elements who abuse the image and uniform of the Nigeria Police Force are brought to justice,” it concluded.
