Aarif Ibrahim Gani appeared in Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday, charged with defrauding a Nairobi resident of Sh300,000 through a false promise of securing a firearm certificate.
Gani, alongside an accomplice, allegedly assured the complainant that they could obtain a legitimate certificate for his son but failed to deliver.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that the alleged scam occurred between December 1, 2024, and March 7, 2025. During this period, the suspects exploited the victim’s trust, persuading him that they could navigate the official firearm licensing process in exchange for payment.
Authorities said the accused attempted to cover up delays by presenting a forged letter claiming to be from the Firearms Licensing Board. The letter cited technical upgrades as the reason for the holdup, a tactic the DCI described as an effort to manipulate the victim further.
In court, Gani denied the charges of conspiracy to defraud. The magistrate granted him Sh100,000 bail, requiring one contact person, and set the next mention for December 15, 2025.
Fraud involving official documentation, including firearm licenses, has been a persistent challenge in Kenya. The government has previously warned citizens against relying on intermediaries for permits, emphasizing that all applications must be verified through official channels.
The OSU detectives’ investigation reflects ongoing measures by law enforcement to combat document-related scams.
Firearm licensing in Kenya is tightly regulated, with the Firearms Licensing Board responsible for vetting all applications to ensure public safety.
Past cases of forgery and deceit have occasionally hindered law enforcement and exposed gaps in public awareness about official procedures.
The DCI has urged Kenyans to exercise caution when engaging third parties for government services. This case highlights the need for vigilance and verification to prevent financial loss and protect individuals from fraudulent schemes targeting official permits.
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