Police arrest suspected ritualists, robbers in Kebbi State
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested suspected ritualists and armed robbers in two separate operations, reinforcing its commitment to tackling crime across the state.
In a statement released on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, detailed how police operatives in Koko town, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a group of suspected ritualists on February 4, 2025, at around 7:00 PM.
The suspects—Bello Abubakar, Jamilu Bello, Safiyanu Bello, Usman Inda, and an accomplice currently at large, Idrisu Yauri—allegedly conspired to defraud Shamsu Adamu of ₦2,025,000 under the guise of printing CFA currency worth thirty million.
“When Adamu could not provide additional funds as demanded, the suspects allegedly threatened him with severe consequences unless he brought a child for sacrifice. Under pressure, he handed over his 4-year-old daughter, Amina Shamsu,” the statement revealed.
However, officers from the Koko Divisional Police Headquarters quickly intervened, arresting the suspects in the act. Items recovered from them included a calabash, white and black clothing, three bottles of local perfume, and various charms.
According to Punch, in a separate incident on February 9, 2025, at approximately 8:00 PM, a commercial motorcyclist, Abubakar Muhammad, and his passengers, Abdullahi Bello and Jamilu Adamu, were ambushed by four armed men while traveling to Unguwar Mairago village in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area. The assailants, wielding sticks and knives, attacked the victims.
“Their cries for help alerted nearby police officers at a checkpoint, who swiftly responded and apprehended two of the attackers, Bashar Abdullahi and Babangida Hassan,” the statement added.
A knife was recovered from the scene, while the remaining two suspects managed to escape.
Commending his officers for their prompt action, Commissioner of Police CP Bello Sani praised their vigilance and urged all personnel to remain proactive in responding to distress calls. He further instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to intensify efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure a thorough investigation for proper prosecution.
Reaffirming the command’s dedication to maintaining law and order, CP Sani encouraged residents to stay security-conscious and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
