Crime
Sokoto Police Arrest 22 Suspects For Vandalism, Theft, Criminal Conspiracy
Exhibits such as naked Amour Cable wires and a Shovel were recovered from them. Investigation in progress.
Sokoto State– The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested 22 suspects connected to various crimes, including criminal conspiracy, mischief, theft, vandalism, and receiving stolen property.
The suspects were paraded by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Musa, at the command headquarters on Friday, October 11, 2024.
Among them were two suspects responsible for vandalizing and stealing materials designated for the Sokoto Eastern Electrification Project.
CP Musa explained that the arrests followed a report by Engineer Sani Aliyu, Manager of SAMAG Engineering Sokoto, who notified the Goronyo Police Station about the theft of aluminium conductor wires intended for the reconstruction of the power infrastructure in Goronyo town.
Following an investigation, police apprehended two suspects, Murtala Abdullahi and a receiver, Usman Muazu, both from Goronyo Local Government Area.
The suspects reportedly admitted conspiring with two other accomplices, Yakubu Bawa and Umar Aliyu, who are still at large.
The stolen aluminium conductor wires were recovered from the residence of Muazu in Goronyo town, as the police continue their investigation to apprehend the remaining culprits.
CP Musa said a similar arrest was made on 5th October 2024, when a team of policemen attached to the Achida police outstation in Wurno Local Government Area of the state while on a stop and search operation.
“We intercepted one Bashar Ibrahim a Driver in the Kumaji area of Goronyo LGA with a vehicle loaded with sacks containing aluminium conductor wires, one iron cutter and ropes,” he stated.
“The suspect confessed to having conspired with one Aminu, Faisal Hamza and the receiver Abu Yantukane (all at large) who specialize in the vandalization of Electric wires along Achida Road.
“In the same vein, Policemen attached to Achida Outstation in conjunction with vigilantes while on patrol in Achida town, intercepted one Sulaiman Ahmad and Shamsu Muhammad all of Lambar Rabah and Durbawa Areas.
“They were caught in possession of copper wires suspected to have been stolen and the receiver one Nura Bello, 25 years of Achida Town who is a mechanic.
“The suspects confessed that they conspired with one Auwalu (at large) and vandalized a transformer at Dogaye Village in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State.”
Musa said the operatives arrested One Abubakar Muhammad Gada, Operation Manager of Gagi Branch Water board Sokoto, who reported at the Strike force office that 35 Meters of Armored cable wires at Gagi Branch Water board had been vandalized and carted away.
“Five suspects, namely, Ismail Shehu, Abba Hassan, Salisu Chiso a Laborer, Fahad Rabiu and Sani Chiso all of Gidan Igwai Area and Magachi village in Yabo LGA. All the suspects confessed to the offence.
“Also, the following receivers arrested One Scrap buyer Gaddafi Bello and Dauda Bello of Kwanni and Aliyu Jodi Area of Sokoto state.
“Exhibits such as naked Amour Cable wires and a Shovel were recovered from them. Investigation in progress.
“While acting on actionable intelligence, Police officers from Sokoto police command Striking Force arrested one Nasiru Yahaya AKA Zuga and Yasir Shehu both of Unguwan Rogo Minannata area of Sokoto,” he added.
The suspects confessed to having on different occasions catered away 13 motorcycles such as Bajaj, Haojue Roba-Roba, and Honda super cubs within the Sokoto metropolis.
They also confessed to having conspired with three others namely, Amiru Alhaji Kabiru, Ukashatu Bello both of Bello Way and Alhaji Kabiru Alhaji Yaro of Hausare area Sokoto who specialize in selling stolen motorcycles.
The receivers of some of the stolen motorcycles have also been arrested while suspects will be arraigned in court for prosecution.
The Commissioner said the arrests were in keeping with the operation obligation to ensure the safety of lives and property of the general public in the state and a commendable display of dedication to public safety.
The Police Commissioner reiterated that his Command would intensify the hunt for the fleeing suspects until they are arrested and brought to justice.
He also extended heartfelt appreciation to all the officers and men in the Command for their unwavering dedication, commitment, and diligence to duty.
