Barely 24 hours after the kidnapping and the subsequent killings of a former Gombe State Permanent Secretary, Atiku Muaazu, the Police in Kano have tracked down and arrested a three-member gang behind the heinous crime.
The State Police Commissioner, Salman Dogo Garba, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the headquarters in Bompai, saying ”the suspects involved in the kidnapping and the tragic killing of one Alhaji Atiku Mu’azu, a crime that has left a mark of grief within our community, were arrested on credible intelligent networking”.
The Commissioner explained that On 10/01/2025, at about 2pm a report was received from a resident of Janbulo Quarters, Kano that on 08/01/2025 at about 3pm, one Alhaji Atiku Mu’azu, 64 years old was kidnapped and a ransom of twenty million naira, N20,000,000:0, demanded for his release.
“On receiving the report, we raised a team from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and directed the rescue of the victim and arrest of the culprit(s). A sustained follow-up coupled with an intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of the suspects in connection with the case.
The suspects include, Abubakar Hassan, also known as Captain, 33 years old of Ringim LGA, Jigawa State, he was the principal suspect who masterminded the kidnapping and killing of the victim.
Adamu Abubakar Adam, 29 years old of Sharada Quarters, Kano. He was the receiver of the ransom of two million naira, N2,000,000:00, Hamisu or Bakin Bross, 34 years old of Ringim LGA, Jigawa State, whose house was used in holding the victim hostage for three days.
The Police said during the course of the investigation, the principal suspect confessed to having singlehandedly kidnapped and lured the victim to Ringim LGA of Jigawa State under the pretence of taking him to Kazaure LGA, Jigawa State to collect his car from a mechanic.
“Instead, he conspired with four others including the mechanic of the victim, held him hostage and later killed him after collecting a ransom of two million naira, N2,000,000:00. A toy gun with six (6) rubber bullets was recovered from the principal suspect.”
The suspects are currently undergoing discreet investigation at the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Anti-Kidnapping Unit. They will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
” Another report was also received on 26/01/2025, at about 01:30am that armed men in large numbers, riding on motorcycles, shooting sporadically, invaded the residence of one Alhaji Auwalu at Sabuwar Unguwa Garo, Kabo LGA, Kano and robbed him the sum of eight million naira, N8,000,00:00.”
The Commissioner noted that they also kidnapped his daughter, Zainab Aliyu, 16 years old and took her to an unknown destination.
The Police Command has set all machinery in place to ensure the rescue of the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
” In another development, a team of operatives based on credible information received, conducted an intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of seventeen, 17, suspected armed robbers who stormed Hotoro, Kawu Quarters, Kano, breaking shops and motor vehicles as well as attacking and robbing innocent people of their belongings.
“Similarly, 3 additional suspected armed robbers who attacked two innocent people and robbed 200 mobile phones from them at Yankatsari Quarters Kano were arrested.
“Seven mobile phones and dangerous weapons were recovered. In light of these incidents and various security reports obtained from intelligence agencies, the Kano State Police Command has beamed its searchlight to identify and tackle any likely emerging security threats.
The CP urged members of the public to continue to remain vigilant and cautious, saying safety is paramount.
“I encourage you to be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest Police Station”
