Niger State Police report arrests in kidnapping cases and a man's death
Police in Nigeria’s Niger State reported a series of arrests in cases involving alleged kidnappings, armed robberies, the death of a man, motorcycle misappropriation, and possession of prohibited substances. The arrests took place in different parts of the state between August 22 and 25, Premium Times Nigeria reports, citing a police crime bulletin.
Kidnapping suspicions
On August 23, law enforcement officers detained three people after receiving information about a group that, according to police, operated in Uraga village in the Mariga Local Government Area while posing as a Yansakai self-defense group. The detainees were identified as 25-year-old Alhassan Tanko, 26-year-old Basiru Shaibu, and 28-year-old Ishaya Umar.
Police said that during questioning, the detainees allegedly confessed to forming a group of seven people for kidnappings and armed robberies. According to law enforcement, they also allegedly reported killing at least three people in the Mariga area during kidnappings and taking their motorcycles. During searches of the suspects’ homes, police said they seized a pump-action shotgun. Law enforcement said they are seeking other alleged members of the group and a man to whom, according to their information, the motorcycles were sold.
Other cases
Separately, police reported the detention of Abdulkarim Yunusa, who is suspected of misappropriating a Bajaj motorcycle. According to law enforcement, the motorcycle was handed over to him in May, after which he allegedly appropriated the vehicle and went into hiding. The man was found along with the motorcycle, the case was referred to court, and the vehicle was returned to its owner.
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In Minna, 25-year-old Nazifi Adamu was detained during Mawlid celebrations. Police claim that ten packages of suspected Colorado cannabis, four packages of Rophynol tablets, and a bag containing a substance described as suspected methamphetamine were found on him. According to investigators, the man allegedly brought these substances from Kuta for sale during the celebrations.
Investigation into a man’s death
Law enforcement officers also detained six suspects in connection with the death of 35-year-old Nafiu Mohammed in Maitumbi. According to police information, the man was attacked and stabbed on August 25; his death was confirmed at a medical facility. Police said a machete was seized from one of the detainees, and law enforcement officers are seeking another alleged member of the group.
During a separate raid along the Maitumbi–Gwadi road, three more people were detained. Police said suspected cannabis, a machete, four pairs of scissors, and hookah equipment were found on them. All the people mentioned are presumed innocent until their guilt is established by a court.
