The Kano State Police Command has arraigned members of a female-led phone theft syndicate before the Chief Magistrates Court No. 18 Gyadi Gyadi in Kano, following their arrest for criminal conspiracy, trespass, and theft.
Daily News 24 reports that the syndicate leader, Shamsiyya Adamu, and four initial accomplices were apprehended in December 2024.
An updated statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on wednesday, confirmed the arrest of four additional suspects linked to the operation, bringing the total number of suspects to nine.
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The newly arrested suspects include Fati Auwal, Kamal Sale, Usman Nasir, and Bashir Ibrahim, who were taken into custody for theft and receiving stolen property. Twelve additional mobile phones were recovered, raising the number of recovered phones to 18.
SP Haruna revealed that the syndicate targeted residential homes, deceived housewives, and stole mobile phones, often swindling victims by accessing their bank accounts. The group operated using a network that included a tricycle rider, a hacker, and other collaborators who facilitated the sale of stolen items.
The statement further disclosed that 86 victims, comprising 85 women and one man, have filed complaints against the suspects.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, commended the public for their cooperation and directed the continuation of efforts to recover more stolen phones. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring safety and security across Kano State.