Our Reporter
KADUNA, Nigeria
The Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended a 59-year-old man accused of impersonating high-ranking politicians and security officials in a wide-ranging fraud scheme spanning several years.
The suspect, identified as Aminu Yarima from Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State, was arrested on 19 July 2025 at his residence at No. 6 GRA Government Quarters in Keffi, Nasarawa State. His arrest followed weeks of surveillance and credible intelligence gathering, according to a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan.
Yarima is alleged to have assumed the identities of various prominent individuals, including serving governors, security agency heads, and even spouses of top government officials. Among the personalities he is said to have impersonated are the governors of Kaduna, Nasarawa and Ondo States; the Chairmen of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (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; and the Force Public Relations Officer.
Hassan revealed that during interrogation, the suspect admitted to the impersonations, which he used to allegedly defraud unsuspecting individuals and gain access to privileged information and networks.
A search of Yarima’s residence uncovered several incriminating items including five mobile phones, 23 SIM cards, and numerous diaries and jotters. These materials reportedly contained the contact details of Chiefs of Staff to governors in all 36 states, senior aides, traditional rulers, senior police and military officers, and top officials in both federal and state governments.
“The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in our efforts to clamp down on impersonators, fraudsters, and other criminal elements attempting to tarnish the reputation of Nigeria’s institutions,” said Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad.
He commended the operatives involved in the operation and assured the public that Yarima would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The Kaduna State Police Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property, and to ensuring that those who engage in criminal activities face the full weight of the law,” the statement concluded.
Yarima is currently in police custody as investigations continue.