The Kano State Police Command has arrested 35-year-old Adamu Musa of Kureken Sani Quarters, Kano, for allegedly impersonating a Chief Superintendent of Police and defrauding members of the public through claims that he could influence police recruitment and postings.
Musa was arrested by operatives of the Panshekara Police Division following a distress report concerning his activities at the 52 Police Mobile Force, PMF, Challawa, Kano, on September 1, 2026.
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The arrest followed what the command described as credible intelligence linking Musa to the impersonation of a senior police officer.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Musa allegedly presented himself as a senior police officer with access to recruitment opportunities and influence over transfers and postings within the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the police, he used the false identity to target unsuspecting members of the public and allegedly demanded money in exchange for purported recruitment slots and transfers.
Investigators also discovered that Musa allegedly used technology to strengthen his claims. Police said he circulated edited photographs and AI-generated images showing himself alongside senior strategic commanders of the Nigeria Police Force.
The doctored images were allegedly accompanied by the names of senior officers and used to create the impression that Musa had direct connections within the police hierarchy.
A search of his premises led to the recovery of several items allegedly connected to the impersonation scheme.
The exhibits included one black jacket uniform, two pairs of black shoes, one camouflage uniform, one blue uniform top and ₦300,000 in cash.
Musa remains in police custody while investigations continue. The command said he would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.
The Kano Police Command also issued a warning over the growing use of photo-editing and artificial intelligence technology by fraudsters seeking to impersonate security personnel.
CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the command’s spokesperson, said the warning was issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
“The Kano State Police Command cautions members of the public to be wary of fraudsters and impersonators who now use photo editing and AI technology to create fake images with senior officers and to extort money under the guise of recruitment, transfer or posting,” Kiyawa said.
The command stressed that recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force is free and warned members of the public against paying individuals who claim they can secure enlistment or postings.
“No officer will ever demand money for enlistment or posting,” the police said.
The command urged residents to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a police officer, particularly individuals wearing police uniforms while requesting money or offering access to official opportunities.
The warning comes as the increasing accessibility of artificial intelligence and image-editing tools makes it easier for fraudsters to manufacture convincing visual material and falsely associate themselves with public officials.
Police said members of the public should report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.
The Kano State Police Command said it remains committed to protecting lives and property and bringing individuals who exploit the image and uniform of the Nigeria Police Force to justice.
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The case also serves as a reminder that official recruitment and posting processes should be verified through recognised police channels rather than through individuals claiming to have personal influence within the force.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
