The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested suspected ritualists and armed robbers in two separate operations in its ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities in the state.
In a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, said the first arrest took place on February 4, 2025, at about 7:00 PM, when police operatives in Koko town apprehended a group of suspected ritualists.
The suspects, identified as Bello Abubakar, Jamilu Bello, Safiyanu Bello, Usman Inda, and an accomplice at large, Idrisu Yauri, allegedly defrauded Shamsu Adamu of N2,025,000 under the pretense of printing CFA currency worth N30 million.
When Adamu failed to provide additional funds, the suspects allegedly threatened him with dire consequences unless he provided a child for ritual sacrifice. Fearing for his safety, he handed over his four-year-old daughter, Amina Shamsu.
Acting on intelligence, officers from the Koko Divisional Police Headquarters swiftly moved to the scene and arrested the suspects during the act.
According to the statement, recovered items included a calabash, white and black clothes, three bottles of local perfume, and various charms.
In a separate incident on February 9, 2025, at about 8:00 PM, a commercial motorcyclist, Abubakar Muhammad, was transporting Abdullahi Bello and Jamilu Adamu to Unguwar Mairago village in Birnin Kebbi LGA when they were ambushed by four armed men. The assailants, armed with sticks and knives, attacked their victims, but their cries for help alerted police officers at a nearby checkpoint.
The officers responded promptly, arresting two of the attackers, Bashar Abdullahi and Babangida Hassan, while the remaining suspects fled. A knife was recovered from the scene.
Commending his officers for their swift response, the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, urged them to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing criminal activities.
He directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to intensify efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure a thorough investigation for prosecution
