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The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested 22 suspects in connection with various crimes including criminal conspiracy, mischief, theft, vandalism and receiving of stolen properties.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Musa, paraded the suspects at the command headquarters on Friday, October 11, 2024.
According to Musa, the suspects included two persons who vandalized and stole cables meant for the reconstruction of the Sokoto Eastern Electrification Project.
The CP said their arrest was hinged on a complaint by one Engineer Sani Aliyu, Manager of SAMAG Engineering Sokoto, who reported at Goronyo Police Station that aluminium conductor wires meant for the reconstruction project of Sokoto Eastern electrification in Goronyo town had been vandalized and carted away.
He said prompt Investigation led to the arrest of Murtala Abdullahi and a receiver Usman Muazu all of Goronyo Local Government Area of the state.
“The suspects confessed that they conspired with Yakubu Bawa and Umar Aliyu (all at large) to vandalize and cart away Aluminum Conductor wires from electric poles in Goronyo town,” he said.
The police boss said during the course of the investigation, the stolen wires were recovered at the residence of the receiver Usman Muazu in the same Goronyo town.
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.
