Police arrest fake officer accused of impersonation and recruitment scam in Kano

Kano police said they arrested a 35-year-old man who allegedly used uniforms and AI-generated images to present himself as a senior officer with influence over police recruitment and postings.

The command identified the suspect as Adamu Musa of Kureken Sani Quarters in Kano. Police said officers from the Panshekara division arrested him on Sept. 1 after receiving a distress report from Police Mobile Force No. 52 in Challawa.

According to the command, Musa posed as a chief superintendent of police and defrauded members of the public. Investigators said he circulated edited photographs and AI-generated images that placed him alongside senior strategic commanders of the Nigeria Police Force. He allegedly used the images and the names of senior officers to persuade victims that he could secure recruitment slots, transfers and postings in exchange for money.

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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.

A search of his premises produced a black jacket uniform, two pairs of black shoes, a camouflage uniform, a blue uniform top and 300,000 naira in cash. The suspect remains in custody and will be charged after the investigation is completed.

The command warned residents to be cautious of impersonators who use photo editing and artificial intelligence to create convincing images. It reminded the public that recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force is free and said officers do not demand payment for enlistment or posting. Residents were urged to verify the identity of anyone wearing a police uniform or requesting money and report suspicious activity to the nearest station.

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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.