The Zone One Police Headquarters in Kano has arrested a man identified as Ali Mohammed, also known as Faragai, over an alleged N40m job scam involving promises of government appointments.
Mohammed was arrested by operatives of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department following complaints that he allegedly collected money from job seekers after promising to secure government employment and appointments for them.
The development was disclosed on Wednesday by the Zone One Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abdullahi Hussaini, in a statement issued in Kano.
According to the police, preliminary investigations showed that the suspect allegedly posed as a Special Assistant at the Kano State Universal Basic Education Board to gain the confidence of prospective job seekers.
Police said more than 10 victims had so far come forward, while investigations indicated that more than N40m had allegedly been collected from victims.
The command also said Mohammed had confessed to defrauding more than 20 people and admitted producing and presenting fake appointment letters to some of them as evidence of their purported government appointments.
Some of the alleged fake appointment letters have reportedly been recovered as exhibits as investigators continue to establish the full scope of the scheme.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation, according to the police.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone One, Garba Ahmed, cautioned members of the public against paying money to individuals who claim they can secure government jobs or appointments.
The police urged job seekers to verify employment claims through appropriate official channels before making payments or submitting personal documents.
The arrest highlights the growing risk posed by fraudulent recruitment schemes, with job seekers often targeted by individuals exploiting unemployment and the demand for government employment.
Police said investigations into the Kano case are continuing, with authorities expected to establish the full number of victims and the extent of the alleged financial losses before prosecution.
