The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspected mobile phone snatchers terrorizing residents of the state.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, April 25, 2024, said nine mobile phones, a sharp knife, a handcuff and two operational tricycles were recovered from the suspects.
According to the PPRO, the suspects, who pose as drivers and passengers, use tricycles to snatch people’s mobile phones.
“The Police in Kano were during routine crime prevention patrol on 23/04/2024 at about 1255hrs along Airport Road Kano accosted and effected the arrest of four (4) suspects upon reasonable suspicion while riding on a tricycle.,” the statement read.
“On spot search, seven (7) mobile phones and a handcuff were recovered from their possession. The suspects confessed to having used a Tricycle and snatched people’s mobile phones.
“Similarly, on 19/04/2024, a report was received from one Aminu Sulaiman, that his mobile phone was stolen from his motor vehicle at Matrix Filling Station along BUK Road, Kano.
“On receipt of the report, a team of detectives swung into action and arrested the three (3) suspects with the help of technical support. Consequently, the mobile phone and their operational Tricycle were recovered.
“In the same vein, on 23/04/2024 at about 09:00am, a distress call was received from a good samaritan that unknown hoodlums on board a Tricycle attacked and robbed an innocent passenger of his mobile phone
“On receipt of the report, a team of surveillance patrol immediately swung into action and after a hot chase arrested one of the suspects and the mobile phone and a sharp knife exhibits were all recovered from him.
“The suspects are currently undergoing investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Command and thereafter will be charged to court for prosecution.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates the determinant of the Police Command to provide a safe and more secure environment for all residents of Kano State
“Finally, the CP while appreciating the good people of the State for their support and cooperation, also urges everyone to remain vigilant and keep reporting any suspicious movement of person(s) or item(s) they come across to the nearest Police Station or through the following Kano State Police Command emergency contact numbers:- 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.”