The Kano State Police Command has dismantled a female-led phone theft syndicate, arresting five suspects linked to the criminal operation.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest in a statement, revealing that the syndicate leader, Shamsiyya Adamu, a resident of Brigade Quarters, Kano, was apprehended on December 21, 2024, following reports of stolen mobile phones in Unguwa Uku Quarters.
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“In the outgone 2024, the Kano State Police Command received numerous reports from residents of Kano metropolitan city of a young lady who steals mobile phones from residential houses,” Haruna stated.
He added, “The reports indicated that the suspect was using a tricyclist and a cybercriminal to facilitate her operations. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, mobilised a special intervention squad that arrested the principal suspect on December 21, 2024.”
According to the statement, the syndicate targeted residential houses, deceiving housewives, stealing mobile phones, and swindling money from victims’ bank accounts.
The arrested suspects include Idris Yusuf, a 23-year-old tricycle rider who transported Shamsiyya during operations; Al’asan Dahiru, 24, who disposed of stolen items; Abdulmajid Haruna, 27, who bought stolen phones, with six recovered from him; and Salim Auwalu, 21, who specialized in hacking victims’ bank accounts.
“Six mobile phones have so far been recovered while efforts are ongoing to recover more stolen phones,” Haruna confirmed.
The statement also disclosed that thirty complainants, including 29 females and one male, have filed reports against Shamsiyya.
“Anyone with a complaint against the suspects can contact the investigation team via 08032617800,” the police added.