A police investigation in Jigawa State has uncovered an alleged motorcycle theft network operating across Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna states, with nine suspects arrested in connection with the case.
The suspects are accused of stealing at least 33 motorcycles and allegedly taking part in violent attacks that resulted in the deaths of nine people, according to the Jigawa State Police Command.
The investigation began after police received a report of a motorcycle allegedly snatched from an Okada rider in Aujara District of Jahun Local Government Area.
Police, working with local vigilantes, recovered the motorcycle and arrested one suspect.
Jigawa Police spokesperson, SP Shi’isu Adam, said the arrest provided investigators with leads that resulted in the identification and subsequent arrest of other alleged members of the group.
He said the suspects, during interrogation, reportedly admitted to stealing at least 33 motorcycles from different locations.
The police also alleged that the suspects were involved in attacks in which some victims sustained injuries.
Adam said the suspects further reportedly confessed to the killing of nine people during their alleged operations across the three states.
Those arrested were identified as Ado Saleh, alias Datti, 55, of Kawari Village, Ajingi LGA, Kano State; Abdullahi Saidu, 37, of Kwanar Dangora Village, Kano State; Magaji Danladi of Auramo Quarters, Ringim LGA; Sabiu Miko of Kaugama LGA; and Habibu Dan Iya of Didi Village, Gagarawa LGA.
Others are Shamsu Sani, 32, of Ajingi LGA, Kano State; Ali Salisu, 40, of Yanbaru settlement, Sule Tankarkar LGA; Alhassan Isa, alias Tata, of Shuwarin, Kiyawa LGA; and Ado Ali of Baranda Village, Dutse LGA.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, commended the officers involved in the operation and the resident whose intervention helped in recovering the stolen motorcycle and securing the first arrest.
He directed the State Criminal Investigation Department in Dutse to continue the investigation, identify other suspected members of the network, and trace additional motorcycles believed to have been stolen.
The command is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the reported attacks and deaths.
Adam said the police would prosecute suspects found culpable after the investigation in accordance with the law.
