By Hadiza Musa Yusuf
The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man for pretending to be a police officer and extorting money from unsuspecting residents.
Police spokesperson SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa said in a statement on Tuesday that the suspect, Nasiru Shitu of Kofar Waika Quarters, was caught on Sunday, September 21, at about 5:00 p.m. while wearing what appeared to be a police uniform at Kofar Dawanau.
Kiyawa explained that the arrest followed reports of fake police officers harassing and extorting people in the area.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that Nasiru Shitu is neither a police officer nor a member of the Police Special Constabulary but an impostor masquerading as a police officer to extort unsuspecting members of the public,” he said.
The police confirmed that Shitu would face prosecution after further investigation to determine the extent of his activities and whether he had accomplices.
According to the statement, the commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori urged residents to report any information or complaints about the suspect or similar cases.
He assured the public that the police are committed to protecting lives and property in Kano.
“The Kano State Police Command remains committed to taking proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of all residents in the state. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in such criminal activities are brought to justice,” the statement read.