The Kano State Police Command has arrested a serial deceiver who has been exploiting innocent individuals to unlawfully obtain their mobile phones, under false pretenses.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna confirmed the arrest of the suspect in a statement he released on Saturday.
According to the statement, the 27-year-old male suspect, identified as Mohammed Usman, of Kofar Wambai Quarters, Kano, was arrested on 14th July, 2025, following a complaint from a female resident of Ahmadiyya Brigade Quarters, Kano.
“The complainant reported that she received a phone call from an unknown number, offering her supposed government intervention assistance. Trusting the caller, she accepted the offer and subsequently met with the suspect who deceitfully made away with her mobile phone.
“As the investigation unfolded, seventeen (17) additional female victims emerged, all reporting similar experiences of deception and theft, showing a pattern of fraudulent activity that primarily targeted unsuspecting women,” the statement said.
Haruna said the suspect, an ex-convict, was arrested for a similar offence two years ago and sentenced to two years in correctional custody without an option of fine.
“He (suspect) is currently detained at the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department and a discreet investigation conducted led to the arrest of additional three suspected receivers and the recovery of eight (08) mobile phones.
The police Spokesperson said four suspects are helping the police in their investigation, adding as soon as the investigation is completed, they would be charged to court.
“The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, thanked members of the public for their cooperation and urged everyone to be wary of such offers, especially from an unknown source.
The Command encourages anyone who may have fallen victim to similar schemes to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation or contact 08069215688,” the statement said.
