KANO, Nigeria — Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has delivered a powerful mandate: phone snatching in the state will now be classified as armed robbery, and perpetrators will face the death penalty.
The measure was declared on Sunday, May 28, 2023, by Ganduje through the Kano State Security Council, highlighting the severity of the crime which has reportedly reached alarming proportions in recent times.
The outgoing Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba, disclosed the decision in a statement to the press in Kano.
“The perpetration of the act in recent times has reached worrisome heights and therefore needs drastic measures,” Garba stated, adding that a special squad will be established within the security system to tackle this menace, among other criminal activities.
The Security Council, presided over by Ganduje during its valedictory session, also discussed the upcoming swearing-in of the new governor.
The council emphasized the necessity of a peaceful ceremony and warned against any form of violence or destruction of property in the name of celebrations.
“Destruction of properties belonging to the public, individual or the opposition will not be tolerated as adequate measures have been taken to deal with such act decisively,” the statement added.
Garba also shared that Governor Ganduje reiterated the need for a smooth transition of power in the state.
Ganduje expressed gratitude to the security agencies in the state for their cooperation during his tenure, and encouraged them to maintain their vigilance and commitment to peacekeeping.
The meeting saw attendance from nearly all heads of security agencies and other council members.
As the state prepares for a new leadership and struggles with the increasing crime of phone snatching, this recent ruling sends a clear message of zero tolerance towards criminal activities.
