The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old ex-convict, Mohammed Usman, for allegedly defrauding women across the state by posing as a government aid representative and stealing their mobile phones.

Usman was apprehended on July 14, 2025, following a report from a resident of the Ahmadiyya Brigade Quarters who accused him of deceitfully obtaining her phone under the guise of facilitating government assistance programs.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the suspect had previously served a two-year prison sentence for a similar offence committed two years ago.

Further investigations have uncovered that at least 17 women reported being defrauded through the same scheme, where the suspect targeted unsuspecting victims with false promises of government interventions.

Additionally, three other suspects alleged to be receivers of the stolen devices have been arrested. The police recovered eight mobile phones during the operation, and all suspects are reportedly cooperating with ongoing investigations.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, commended members of the public for their vigilance and assistance in apprehending the suspects. He also issued a caution to residents, urging them to be wary of unsolicited calls or individuals claiming to represent government support programs.

The police further encouraged anyone with relevant information or who may have fallen victim to similar fraudulent activities to come forward and assist with the investigation.