3 hours ago
2 ARTICLE AD
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested suspected ritualists and armed robbers in two separate incidents, reaffirming its resolve to combat crime across the state.
A statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesman, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, detailed how police operatives in Koko town, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a group of suspected ritualists on February 4, 2025, at about 7:00 PM.
The suspects, identified as Bello Abubakar, Jamilu Bello, Safiyanu Bello, Usman Inda, and an accomplice currently at large, Idrisu Yauri, allegedly conspired to defraud one Shamsu Adamu of ₦2,025,000 under the pretense of printing CFA currency worth thirty million, the statement said.
“When Adamu was unable to provide additional funds as demanded, the suspects allegedly threatened him with dire consequences unless he brought a child for sacrifice. Under duress, he handed over his 4-year-old daughter, Amina Shamsu,” the statement read.
However, police officers from the Koko Divisional Police Headquarters swiftly stormed the scene and arrested the suspects while they were in the act.
Recovered from them were a calabash, white and black clothes, three bottles of local perfume, and various charms.
In another operation on February 9, 2025, at about 8:00 PM, a commercial motorcyclist, Abubakar Muhammad, and his two passengers, Abdullahi Bello and Jamilu Adamu, fell victim to an ambush by four armed men while travelling to Unguwar Mairago village in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area.
The attackers, armed with sticks and knives, launched an assault on the victims.
“Their cries for help alerted police officers stationed at a nearby checkpoint, who responded swiftly and arrested two of the assailants, Bashar Abdullahi and Babangida Hassan,” the statement added.
A knife was recovered from the scene, while the remaining two suspects managed to escape.
Commending his officers for their rapid response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, praised their vigilance and urged all personnel to remain proactive in handling distress calls.
He further directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to intensify efforts in tracking down the fleeing suspects and ensure a thorough investigation for proper prosecution.
Reassuring residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, CP Sani encouraged the public to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
