By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh
Operatives of the Kano State Police Command has smashed a fraudster syndicate that impersonates spirits, “Aljannu,” to deceive and defraud unsuspecting members of the public through phone calls.
Our correspondent reports that 28 sim cards were recovered from the fraudsters.
Impeccable information from the police indicated that on April 10, 2026, acting on credible information regarding two individuals frequently making suspicious mobile phone calls, operatives attached to the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, arrested Ahmad Ibrahim (24) and Isma’il Muhammad, male (22), both of Dandinshe Quarters, Dala Local Government Area, Kano.
Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted to using multiple GSM numbers to contact victims while disguising their voices with voice modulation to sound like spirits.
They would instruct victims to recite certain incantations while instilling fear and issuing threats of misfortune for non-compliance.
Through the fetish method, they claimed to have defrauded over 500 innocent citizens of money and other valuables.
Twenty-eight GSM SIM cards used in perpetrating the crime were recovered from their possession.
Investigation is in progress, and efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives for their swift action and technical expertise.
He warned that criminal elements are devising new tactics to exploit and defraud hapless citizens.
Mr. Bakori strongly cautioned residents to be vigilant and wary of unsolicited calls from unknown persons demanding money, recitations, or alms under spiritual pretexts or threats.
“No genuine spirit or religious injunction will request money through phone calls or threaten misfortune for non-payment. Do not share personal information, bank details, or transfer money to strangers. Report all suspicious calls immediately to the nearest Police Station.
The Kano State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property. We urge members of the public to continue to partner with the Police by providing timely and credible information.
“For emergencies or to report suspicious activities, contact the Command via: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926, or the “NPF Rescue Me” application,” Mr. Bakori added.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command has recovered a black Daylong motorcycle stolen on April 9, 2026 at Danladi Nasidi, Kumbotso Local Government Area, following diligent investigation by operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS).
The recovered motorcycle has been handed over to the rightful owner, who commended the Command for its professionalism and swift response.
Our correspondent reports that on April 9, 2026, the command received credible intelligence that the motorcycle was stolen earlier that day at Danladi Nasidi, Kumbotso Local Government Area.
On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, directed a team from the command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to ensure diligent investigation.
Detectives immediately commenced action and obtained CCTV footage of the incident.
While the footage was vital to identifying the suspects involved, its premature circulation on social media compromised the operation.
After the video went viral, some social media users extracted still images, using Artificial Intelligence, which significantly altered the demeanour of an alleged suspect.
The Commissioner of Police warned that: “This exposure alerted the principal suspect, who fled the state before an arrest could be effected. The stolen motorcycle was later abandoned and promptly recovered by operatives.
“The Command, using technical support, has since subjected the original video to forensic analysis and positively identified the suspects involved, who are currently at large. A serious manhunt to apprehend them is ongoing.”
Mr. Bakori commended the SIS operatives for the prompt recovery of the exhibit and its safe return to the owner. He, however, expressed concern that the public circulation of the CCTV footage directly enabled the escape of the suspects and endangered the investigation.
The Kano Police boss advised members of the public to report incidents to the nearest Police Station or through official Command channels immediately after they occur.
He added: “Early reporting gives the Police the tactical advantage needed for prompt arrests and recovery. When you have evidence such as CCTV footage or photographs, submit it directly to the Police.
“Posting such material on social media alerts suspects, compromises operations, and allows for digital manipulation. In this case, AI-altered images created false impressions and hindered identification.
“Allow the Police to conduct professional, technical investigations. Public interference through social media trials undermines justice and helps criminals evade arrest.
“In line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, the Kano State Police Command remains committed to intelligence-led and technology-driven policing.
“We urge citizens to partner with us responsibly by sharing information through official channels only.”
