The Kano State Police Command has uncovered a fraud syndicate that allegedly impersonated spirits, locally referred to as Aljannu, to deceive and extort money from unsuspecting residents.
The Command said two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime, while 28 SIM cards used in the alleged fraud were recovered.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the suspects, Ahmad Ibrahim, 24, and Isma’il Muhammad, 22, both from Dandinshe Quarters in Dala Local Government Area, were arrested on April 10, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
Police said the arrest followed credible intelligence about suspicious phone activities traced to the suspects.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to using multiple GSM numbers to call victims while disguising their voices to sound like spirits.
“They used voice modulation to make their voices sound like ‘Aljannu’,” the police said in the statement.
“They would instruct victims to recite certain incantations and threaten them with misfortune if they failed to comply.”
The Command further alleged that the suspects used fear and spiritual manipulation to extort money and valuables from members of the public, claiming they had defrauded over 500 victims through the scheme.
The recovered 28 SIM cards are currently being examined as part of ongoing investigations.
Police also said efforts are underway to track and arrest other members of the syndicate who are still at large.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the officers involved in the operation for what he described as “swift action and technical expertise” in dismantling the network.
He also warned criminals who exploit people’s beliefs for financial gain, saying such tactics would not be tolerated.
“Criminal elements are continuously devising new methods to exploit the fears and beliefs of citizens,” the commissioner warned.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with unknown callers demanding money or giving spiritual instructions.
The Command added that no genuine spiritual or religious authority communicates through phone calls to demand money or threaten individuals with harm.
“Residents should not transfer money, share personal details, or follow instructions from suspicious callers,” the statement advised.
“Report any suspicious activity immediately to the nearest police station.”
Police bust Kano syndicate that impersonated spirits to defraud residents
