Ex-Convict Arrested For Deceiving Women And Stealing Their Phones

The Kano State Police Command has detained a former convict, Mohammed Usman, for allegedly manipulating and stealing mobile phones from women throughout the state by pretending to provide government aid.

Usman was captured on July 14, 2025, following a report from a woman who stated he deceived her into surrendering her phone under the pretense of offering assistance through a fraudulent government scheme.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, revealed this in a statement on Saturday, July 19, 2025, noting that the suspect had been arrested for a similar crime two years prior and sentenced to two years in prison.

According to the PPRO, at least 17 additional women have reported similar incidents.

“The Kano State Police Command has arrested a serial deceiver who has been exploiting innocent individuals to unlawfully obtain their mobile phones, under false pretenses,” the statement read.

“The 27-year-old male suspect, identified as Mohammed Usman, of Kofar Wambai Quarters, Kano, was arrested on 14th July, 2025, following a complaint from one female resident of Ahmadiyya Brigade Quarters, Kano.

“The complainant reported that she received a phone call from an unknown number, offering her supposed government intervention assistance. Trusting the caller, she accepted the offer and subsequently met with the suspect who deceitfully made away with her mobile phone.

“As the investigation unfolded, seventeen (17) additional female victims emerged, all reporting similar experiences of deception and theft, showing a pattern of fraudulent activity that primarily targeted unsuspecting women.

“The suspect, an ex-convict, was arrested for a similar offence two years ago and sentenced to two years in correctional custody without an option of fine.

“He is currently detained at the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and a discreet investigation conducted led to the arrest of additional three suspected receivers and the recovery of eight (08) mobile phones. The suspects are helping in the investigation.

“The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD thanked members of the public for their cooperation and urged everyone to be wary of such offers, especially from an unknown source.

“The Command encourages anyone who may have fallen victim to similar schemes to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation or contact 08069215688.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli