ABUJA, Nigeria — The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has arrested 14 individuals, including a mother of two and her boyfriend, for various crimes ranging from kidnapping and armed robbery to burglary.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Haruna Garba, paraded the suspects at a press conference held at the police headquarters on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
Garba revealed that the suspects were apprehended at different locations across the FCT and an assortment of weapons, vehicles, laptops, phones, and musical instruments were seized from them.
One of the suspects, 36-year-old Bunmi Samuel and her boyfriend, specialized in phone-snatching operations.
“After snatching phones, he removes the SIM cards and sells the phones while handing over the SIM cards to Bunmi. She would then withdraw money from the bank accounts linked to these SIM cards,” Garba explained.
Five other suspects were arrested in a joint operation with local vigilantes for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a minor.
Kennedy Esezobor, 26, from Tudun Wada village in Lugbe, FCT, described as a notorious criminal and cultist, was also arrested.
Esezobor was found in possession of a single-barrel gun and a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle.
The police also nabbed Mohammed Hamza in Kabin Mongoro Forest, who confessed to being an informant and supplier for a bandit group bordering Nasarawa State.
Garba said that six vehicles were impounded during operations on August 30, 2023, and August 31, 2023.
“These vehicles are used to convey passengers, who are then robbed of their handsets and other valuables,” he said.
A suspect specializing in vandalizing manholes, 38-year-old Mustapha Kyari, was also arrested, and three manholes were recovered from him.
He confessed to the crime and identified his accomplice, Abba.
Japheth Nuhu was arrested after a chase in Gwagwalada, where a Beretta pistol and ammunition were recovered from him.
He is suspected to be involved in local robbery activities.
Garba also stated that ongoing investigations led to the recovery of two stolen Toyota Camry vehicles and high-value electronic gadgets stolen from a Redeemed Christian Church of God center in Abuja.
The Commissioner affirmed that the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
