Police in Kano have arrested a 31-year-old man, Salisu Bala, who had been impersonating a police officer to extort and terrorize residents in the state.
Bala was nabbed by members of the Police Special Constabulary at Koki Quarters, where he was spotted wearing a black uniform with a camouflage peak cap.
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According to a statement by the Kano State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Bala had been masquerading as a member of the Police Special Constabulary. His arrest followed numerous reports of public outcry about individuals extorting money from residents, particularly in Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters.
“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, particularly in Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters,” Kiyawa said.
“On receipt of the reports, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Salman Dogo Garba, directed the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of those areas to intensify effort and ensure the arrest of these impostors.”
Bala, who resides in Kurna Quarters, was arrested on October 14, 2024, at around 8:30 p.m. during an operation led by the Police Special Constabulary. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that Bala had been falsely presenting himself as an officer and was also found to be an illicit drug user. Four different sets of police uniforms were recovered from his residence.
The Kano State Police Command assured the public that it would not tolerate impersonation or extortion by individuals posing as officers. Kiyawa urged anyone who had been a victim of Bala or had information about his activities to come forward.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities or emergencies using the police emergency contact numbers provided by the Kano State Police Command.
