By Parrot Newspaper Police Arrest Man Posing as Officer, Threatening Reprisal Over Uromi Killings
By Ricky Awodi
The Kaduna State Police Command has distanced itself from a man, Hadaina Hussaini (popularly known as Dan-Taki), who was seen in police uniform making inflammatory statements on social media.
Hussaini, who falsely presented himself as a police officer, had stirred outrage after threatening retaliatory attacks against southerners living in northern Nigeria. His threats came in response to the tragic killing of 16 northerners in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
In a Facebook post earlier in the week, Dan-Taki vowed revenge, swearing by Almighty God that northerners would soon strike back.
“I swear to Almighty God, we must do something for you guys. Have you forgotten all your brothers living here in the North? Mark my words, after one week, you shall see the result,” he wrote. Read here
However, in a statement released Friday night, the Kaduna State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, clarified that Hussaini is not a serving police officer. In fact, he had been dismissed from service two years ago due to misconduct.
According to the police, Hussaini was once a volunteer in the Police Special Constabulary, attached to the Kaduna State Constabulary Office, but was relieved of his duties over issues relating to his character.
“The attention of Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a Facebook post credited to one Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-Taki), currently circulating on various social media platforms with the caption ‘Kaduna Police Officer Threatens Retaliation Against Southerners in Uromi Killings’,” the statement read.
“To set the record straight, Hadaina Hussaini is neither a member of the Nigeria Police Force nor a personnel of the Kaduna State Police Command.”
The command further explained that the photographs of Hussaini in uniform circulating online were from his time as a constabulary member, long before his dismissal. They pointed out that his uniform bore the mark ‘PSC/KD’, indicating Police Special Constabulary, not a regular police officer’s attire.
“The pictures being circulated were posted on Facebook about two years ago before his dismissal,” the police noted.
The statement also urged the public to be vigilant and always verify the identities of those claiming to be law enforcement officers.
Hussaini has since been arrested, and the police confirmed that he will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
“The suspect has been arrested and will be charged in court upon completion of the preliminary investigation in accordance with existing laws,” the police concluded.