The Kano State Police Command has dismantled a suspected fraud syndicate that allegedly impersonated spirits, known locally as “Aljannu,” to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through mobile phone calls.
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The command said the suspects used fear and deception, including voice manipulation, to extort money from victims across different locations.
The command said the suspects used fear and deception, including voice manipulation, to extort money from victims across different locations.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the suspects were arrested on April 10, 2026, by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad following credible intelligence.
The suspects were identified as Ahmad Ibrahim, 24, and Isma’il Muhammad, 22, both residents of Dandinshe Quarters in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State.
The police said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects specialised in impersonating spirits during phone conversations with victims, using voice modulation techniques to disguise their identities.
Upon interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to contacting victims through multiple GSM lines while posing as supernatural beings and issuing threats of misfortune unless certain instructions were obeyed.
“They would instruct victims to recite incantations and instil fear of spiritual consequences if they failed to comply,” the statement said.
The command further disclosed that the suspects admitted to defrauding more than 500 victims of money and other valuables using the fraudulent scheme.
A total of 28 SIM cards allegedly used in perpetrating the crimes were recovered from the suspects, while the investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate still at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives for what he described as swift action and technical competence in dismantling the criminal network.
He warned that criminals were increasingly adopting sophisticated tactics to exploit the fears and beliefs of citizens for financial gain.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid responding to unsolicited calls requesting money, personal details, or ritual instructions under any spiritual guise.
“Do not transfer money or disclose sensitive information to unknown callers. No genuine spiritual instruction will demand financial payment or threaten harm over the phone,” the command cautioned.
The statement added that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state and called on the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence.
Residents were advised to report suspicious activities through emergency lines or the Nigeria Police Force Rescue Me application.
