The Kano State Anti-Thuggery and Phone Snatching Squad has arrested a young man popularly known as Ali Baban Jakai over allegations of leading a gang involved in stealing mobile phones and money from members of the public at Bata and Yan Kura markets.
The commander of the squad, Nura Salisu Sharada, disclosed this during an interview with a local radio station in Kano on Sunday.
Sharada said the arrest followed the earlier apprehension of 10 young men suspected of stealing phones and money in the two markets.
According to him, the suspects identified Ali Baban Jakai as the person allegedly leading them, prompting operatives of the squad to track him down.
He said the suspect was eventually arrested in the Sabon Gari area of Kano.
Meanwhile, the suspect denied any involvement with the alleged offence.
“I was involved in stealing phones and money from people for over six years, but I have since stopped,” he said.
He, however, denied being the leader of the 10 suspects arrested, although he acknowledged knowing some of them.
Sharada said the suspect would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action.