The Kano State Police Command has transferred 76 suspects, including a foreign national who were flying Russian flags during recent protests to Force Headquarters in Abuja for a discreet investigation on charges of sedition.
State Police Commissioner Salman Garba provided an update on Monday, revealing that the suspects were apprehended amid ongoing nationwide hunger protests. The arrests were part of efforts to maintain law and order during the demonstrations.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the command has so far arrested no fewer than 873 suspects and recovered a large quantity of exhibits.
Garba stated that a total of 600 suspects have been prosecuted for various offences, 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. An additional six suspects linked with masterminding the destruction, arson, and looting of the Kano Printing Press (KPP) are undergoing investigation.
Similarly, 41 suspects were also apprehended within the period under review for other major crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft, among others.
The police chief said items recovered from the suspects included two AK-47 rifles and other substantial properties looted by the hoodlums from the Audu Bako Secretariat, NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press, and supermarkets.
“Despite the challenges posed by the recent protest, it is important to highlight some of the achievements recorded by the Police Command in crime prevention, management, and control within the period under review.
“The Command has remained resolute and steadfast in its duty to protect the lives and properties of all residents in Kano State. Through proactive policing strategies and community engagement, we have successfully achieved significant successes within the period under review, including the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, five suspected armed robbers, and eight suspected car thieves.
“Others include two human trafficking suspects, 23 suspected ‘Yan Daba’ (local gangs), one notorious drug dealer, and 13 trafficking victims,” he said.