The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a 32-year-old Lagos-based man, identified as Richard Peter, over an alleged fraudulent ushering job scheme that reportedly targeted female students of Bayero University Kano.
According to police authorities under Zone One Headquarters in Kano, the suspect allegedly deceived about 38 female students into believing they had secured an ushering engagement. The victims were reportedly invited to a hotel in Kano, where they were later robbed of their phones and other valuables.
Investigations revealed that the students were first gathered at a hotel in Sabon Gari, Kano, where they were instructed to change into ushering outfits and instructed to submit their phones, under the claim that mobile devices would not be allowed at the event venue. Shortly after, the suspect allegedly disappeared, leaving the students stranded.
Police reports further indicate that the suspect also ordered meals worth ₦6,000 per student at the hotel restaurant before disappearing without settling the bill. Hours later, the victims reportedly discovered that their phones and belongings had been stolen.
Following intelligence-led tracking, operatives traced one of the stolen phones to Kano Line Motor Park along Zaria Road. The suspect was later intercepted and arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State while allegedly attempting to flee to Lagos. Authorities also confirmed the recovery of 29 mobile phones and other stolen items linked to the victims.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone One, Garba Ahmed, praised the operatives for what he described as a swift and coordinated operation. He also urged young people to be cautious of unverified job offers and to always confirm the authenticity of recruiters and event venues before participation.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will be charged in court once concluded.