The Kano State Police Command has arrested 873 suspects who took advantage of the 10 days of nationwide protests to commit various types of crimes in the state.
Addressing newsmen in Kano yesterday, the state police commissioner CP Salman Dogo gave a breakdown of the alleged crimes they committed to include, armed robbery, kidnapping, drug peddling, vandalisation and human trafficking.
He also displayed exhibits that include arms, cash, bags of Indian Hemp and stolen vehicles.
He further announced that about 76 suspects arrested for raising Russian flags during the protest have since been transferred to the force headquarters in Abuja, the federal capital, for investigation.
“Welcome to this press conference today to provide a comprehensive update on the recent violent incidences that resulted in wanton destruction and looting of government and private properties in Kano state instigated by hoodlums under the guise of nationwide protest, as well as the achievements recorded by the Command in crime prevention, management and control from 1st to 10th August, 2024.
“The Kano State Police Command has worked diligently and professionally towards addressing the aftermath of these events, and these efforts resulted in the arrest of eight hundred and seventy-three (873) suspects and recovery of large quantity of exhibits as follows;
“Arrest and prosecution of six hundred (600) suspects for various offences, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief and arson.
“Arrest and prosecution of One hundred and Fifty (150) suspects for violating the curfew enforced by the Kano State Government.
“Arrest of an additional six (6) suspects linked with masterminding the destruction, setting ablaze and looting of the Kano Printing Press (KPP) are undergoing investigation.
“Arrest and transfer of seventy-six (76) suspects flying Russian flags, including a foreigner to Force Headquarters, Abuja for discreet investigation on charges of sedition” he stated among others.
Forty one suspects were arrested for other major crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, car theft, while two (2) AK-47 guns were recovered as exhibits.
The police also recovered substantial properties looted by the hoodlums at Audu Bako Secretariat, NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press (KPP) and Super Markets.
