The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a 59-year-old man, Aminu Yarima, accused of operating a wide-reaching impersonation and fraud ring using the identities of serving governors, top federal officials, and security chiefs across Nigeria.
Yarima, a native of Bichi Local Government Area in Kano State, was arrested by detectives on July 19 at his residence in the GRA Government Quarters of Keffi, Nasarawa State, following what the police described as weeks of sustained surveillance and credible intelligence.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the suspect had for years been impersonating high-ranking individuals to defraud unsuspecting victims and access sensitive information.
“Upon arrest, the suspect confessed to having impersonated several high-profile personalities, including the Executive Governors of Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Ondo States; the Chairman of the EFCC; the Chairman of FIRS; the wife of the late Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; the wife of the Kogi State Governor; the Inspector-General of Police; the Force Public Relations Officer; and other prominent figures,” the statement read.
Police said the operation exposed a well-organised network. During a search of Yarima’s home, operatives recovered five mobile phones, 23 SIM cards, and a trove of diaries and jotters containing personal contact information of senior aides to governors, traditional rulers, and top military and police officers nationwide.
“The suspect had in his possession contact lists of all Chiefs of Staff to governors in the 36 states, as well as numbers of key government officials, security officers, and traditional rulers,” Hassan said.
According to the police, Yarima’s impersonation tactics often involved posing as spouses of government officials or as the officials themselves, allowing him to build trust and deceive victims across various sectors.
The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation, with the police confirming that he will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.
Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in the command’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates targeting public institutions.
“This arrest represents a major success in our fight against fraudsters and impersonators who undermine the credibility of our institutions and endanger national security,” Muhammad said.
He commended the intelligence unit of the command and assured the public of the police’s continued dedication to protecting lives and property in Kaduna and beyond.
