The Kano State Police Command has transferred 76 suspects, including a foreigner, to Force Headquarters in Abuja for a discreet investigation on charges of sedition.
These individuals were arrested for flying Russian flags during the nationwide hunger protests.
Salman Garba, the State Police Commissioner, provided an update on Monday, detailing the arrests and ongoing investigations. He noted that the recent violent incidents in Kano resulted in the destruction and looting of government and public properties.
“This press conference today aims to provide a comprehensive update on the recent violent incidents that resulted in the wanton destruction and looting of government and public properties in Kano State. These incidents were instigated by hoodlums under the guise of a nationwide protest, as well as the achievements recorded by the Command in crime prevention, management, and control from August 1 to date,” Garba said.
The police have so far arrested 873 suspects and recovered a large quantity of exhibits. Garba stated that 600 suspects have been prosecuted for various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson. Additionally, 150 suspects have been arrested and prosecuted for violating the curfew enforced by the Kano State Government.
Further investigations are underway for six suspects linked with masterminding the destruction, arson, and looting of the Kano Printing Press (KPP). Within the period under review, 41 suspects were also apprehended for other major crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft.
Recovered items from the suspects include two AK-47 rifles and other looted properties from various locations such as the Audu Bako Secretariat, NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press, and supermarkets.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent protest, the police have made significant strides in crime prevention and control. Proactive policing strategies and community engagement have led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, five suspected armed robbers, and eight suspected car thieves. Additionally, the police have arrested two human trafficking suspects, 23 suspected ‘Yan Daba’ (local gangs), one notorious drug dealer, and rescued 13 trafficking victims.
Garba emphasized the command’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of all residents in Kano State, highlighting the achievements in crime prevention, management, and control within the period under review.
