- The suspects were arrested on July 25, 2024
Security operatives at Bayero University, Kano, have arrested two individuals for impersonating lecturers and selling books to unsuspecting fresh students.
In a statement by the Publication Secretary, Special Bulletin, Bala Abdullahi, on behalf of the Registrar, the suspects, David Iluebe from Edo State and Chike Eke from Delta State, were reported to have entered a lecture hall at the Faculty of Engineering, presenting themselves as department lecturers.
They introduced a set of four textbooks on the Use of English, Statistics, Nigerian People and Culture, and Algebra and Geometry Mathematics, threatening students to purchase these books as a requirement for their Continuous Assessment or risk failing their courses. The apprehensive students responded by buying several copies.
The suspects were arrested on July 25, 2024, for suspected criminal trespass, impersonation, and cheating after security operatives received a report. During the preliminary investigation, the suspects claimed to be the authors of the books and confessed to all allegations, stating they were hustling due to unemployment. They also revealed this was their second visit to the state, having previously targeted Kano State Polytechnic earlier this year.
The books found in their possession were of poor quality and suspected to be pirated.
“This is a very disturbing emerging trend in our tertiary institutions, being invaded by crooks and charlatans masquerading as academicians to dupe and exploit our unsuspecting students,” the statement added.
Abdullahi further stated that the suspects would be handed over to the police for further action and students would be sensitized on the issue. He warned students and the public to be wary of such impersonators, adding that surveillance has been increased at the university to prevent such incidents.
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