Police in Kano have arrested five suspects over alleged impersonation, production, sale and distribution of counterfeit herbal medicines, using the identity of a registered traditional medicine practitioner.

The suspects were arrested by officers at the Zone One Headquarters, Kano, following a complaint filed by the Chief Executive Officer of Abdulwahab Abubakar Herbal and Islamic Clinic, Bauchi, Abdulwahab Abubakar.

The Zone One Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Hussaini, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Friday.

According to Hussaini, the complaint was received on August 10, 2026.

Abubakar alleged that the suspects, alongside others still at large, had been using his name, business identity and lectures to market and sell fake herbal products.

He also alleged that some of the suspects collected money from members of the public in his name but failed to deliver the medicines ordered, while others sold counterfeit herbal mixtures capable of posing health risks.

The police identified the arrested suspects as Muhammad Usman, Husaini Kabir, Hassan Kabir, Suleiman Salihu and Nura Garba.

The Command said the suspects had made statements admitting their alleged involvement, while investigations were continuing to establish the full extent of the activities and track down other persons linked to the operation.

The police urged members of the public to be cautious when purchasing herbal products, particularly through social media platforms.

It advised consumers to verify the identity of vendors, the authenticity of products and the legitimacy of payment channels before making transactions.

The zone one headquarters also warned individuals involved in impersonation and the distribution of counterfeit products to stop the practice, stressing that anyone found culpable would face prosecution under the law.