The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old man, Salisu Bala, on allegations of impersonating a police officer to extort and terrorise 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.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed that Bala had been posing as a member of the Police Special Constabulary.
He further revealed that Bala’s arrest followed several public complaints about impostors extorting money in areas such as Sabon Gari, Fagge, and Koki Quarters.
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“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,” he said.
The PPRO emphasized that, 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. It was further revealed that during the operation, authorities discovered that Bala had not only been impersonating an officer but was also involved in drug use.
Additionally, four sets of police uniforms were recovered from his residence.
According to the PPRO, the State Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for impersonation and extortion and urged anyone who had been a victim of Bala or had information about his activities to come forward.
The command also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities using the emergency contact numbers provided by the police.
