The Sokoto State Police Command has apprehended 21 suspects involved in a series of crimes, including criminal conspiracy, theft, mischief, and receiving stolen property. Among the suspects are individuals responsible for vandalizing and stealing electricity cables intended for the reconstruction of the Sokoto Eastern Electrification Project.
Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Musa, disclosed that four of the arrested suspects were linked to the theft of aluminum conductor wires meant for the reconstruction of the electrification project in Goronyo town. The suspects were apprehended following a complaint lodged by Engineer Sani Aliyu, Manager of SAMAG Engineering Sokoto, who reported the vandalism at Goronyo Police Station.
“Prompt investigation led to the arrest of Murtala Abdullahi and a receiver, Usman Muazu, both from Goronyo Local Government Area,” CP Musa stated. “The suspects confessed that they conspired with two others, Yakubu Bawa and Umar Aliyu, who are still at large, to steal aluminum conductor wires from electric poles in Goronyo town.” The stolen wires were recovered at Muazu’s residence in the same town, according to the police.
In a separate incident, on October 5, 2024, police officers attached to the Achida outstation in Wurno Local Government Area, in collaboration with local vigilantes, arrested two men during a routine stop-and-search operation. The suspects, identified as Sulaiman Ahmad and Shamsu Muhammad, were found in possession of copper wires suspected to have been stolen. Their accomplice, a mechanic named Nura Bello, was also arrested.
“The suspects confessed to vandalizing a transformer in Dogaye Village, Wurno Local Government Area, along with an accomplice, Auwalu, who remains at large,” CP Musa revealed.
Additionally, police officers from the Sokoto Police Command Striking Force, acting on intelligence, arrested two men, Nasiru Yahaya (aka Zuga) and Yasir Shehu, from the Unguwan Rogo Minannata area of Sokoto. The duo admitted to stealing 13 motorcycles, including brands such as Bajaj, Haojue Roba-Roba, and Honda Super Cub, across Sokoto metropolis. Several receivers of the stolen motorcycles have also been apprehended.
CP Musa assured that the suspects would be prosecuted in court, adding that efforts were ongoing to track down the remaining fugitives. He commended the dedication of the officers involved, emphasizing the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“The arrests are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and bring criminals to justice,” CP Musa affirmed. He expressed his gratitude to the officers and men of the Command for their unwavering commitment to duty.
