Kano State Police Command has dismantled a notorious syndicate of thieves led by a 19-year-old female suspect, Shamsiyya Adamu, and arrested five members of the gang.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on Thursday, January 2, 2024.
According to the statement, Shamsiyya, a resident of Brigade Quarters, Kano, was apprehended on December 21, 2024, following a series of reports of stolen mobile phones in the Unguwa Uku area of Kano.
“The Kano State Police Command received numerous reports throughout 2024 from residents of Kano Metropolis about a young lady who specialized in stealing mobile phones from residential houses,” SP Kiyawa stated.
The syndicate, led by Shamsiyya, employed a sophisticated operation involving a tricycle rider and a cybercriminal. They targeted housewives, stealing mobile phones and gaining access to victims’ bank accounts to swindle money.
“The State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, raised a special intervention squad to track the suspects. The principal suspect was arrested, and subsequent investigations led to the apprehension of her accomplices,” the statement read.
The following individuals were arrested in connection with the syndicate:
Shamsiyya Adamu: The 19-year-old leader and mastermind of the group.
Idris Yusuf: A 23-year-old tricycle rider who transported the principal suspect during operations.
Al’asan Dahiru: A 24-year-old who specialized in disposing of stolen items.
Abdulmajid Haruna: A 27-year-old buyer of stolen properties; six mobile phones were recovered from him.
Salim Auwalu: A 21-year-old expert in accessing and swindling money from victims’ bank accounts.
Police recovered six mobile phones from the suspects, with efforts ongoing to retrieve more stolen items. Thirty complaints have been lodged against the syndicate, including 29 by female victims and one by a male.
SP Kiyawa revealed that the suspects have confessed to numerous thefts throughout the year. “Anyone with a complaint against the suspects can contact the investigation team at 08032617800,” he urged.
The Kano State Police Command assured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while reiterating its zero tolerance for criminal activities. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further details and recover additional stolen items.
