The Zone One Police Headquarters in Kano has arrested a 32-year-old suspect, identified as Richard Peter, over an alleged fake ushering job scam involving students of Bayero University Kano.
Police authorities also confirmed the recovery of 29 mobile phones and other valuables allegedly stolen from the victims.
Students Lured With Fake Job Offer
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the zone, DSP Abdullahi Hussaini.
According to the statement, the suspect, who is said to be from Lagos State, was arrested following a petition submitted to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police by a group of students led by Clementina Paul.
The students accused the suspect of deceiving them with promises of ushering jobs.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, through an associate identified as Faith Dauda, allegedly invited 38 female students to Mairabo Hotel located in the Sabon Gari area of Kano on May 10, 2026.
Phones Allegedly Stolen Inside Hotel
Upon arriving at the hotel, the students were reportedly instructed to change into work outfits and leave their phones and personal belongings behind because phones were allegedly not allowed at the event venue.
The statement added that the suspect later took the students to the hotel restaurant and ordered food worth ₦6,000 for each person before disappearing without paying the bill.
“After eating and waiting for several hours, the victims returned to the room and discovered that their phones and other items had been stolen,” the police statement said.
Suspect Arrested In Kaduna
According to the police, one of the stolen phones was later traced to Kano Line Motor Park through intelligence gathering and technical tracking.
Operatives reportedly moved to the location but discovered the suspect had already boarded a vehicle travelling to Lagos.
He was eventually intercepted and arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State.
“Twenty-nine phones and other items belonging to the victims were recovered. The suspect is currently in custody at the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation,” the statement added.
Police Issue Public Warning
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone One, Garba Ahmed, commended officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling fraud and related crimes.
The police also advised Nigerians, especially students and job seekers, to verify employment opportunities properly and avoid handing over personal belongings to strangers.