The Kebbi State Police Command apprehend suspected ritualists and armed robbers in two distinct incidents.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, police officers in Koko town detained a group of suspected ritualists on February 4, 2025, at approximately 7:00 PM, based on reliable intelligence.
The accused, Bello Abubakar, Jamilu Bello, Safiyanu Bello, Usman Inda, and an accomplice who is still at large, Idrisu Yauri, planned to swindle Shamsu Adamu of ₦2,025,000 by pretending to print thirty million CFA cash. The accused allegedly threatened Adamu with severe consequences unless he brought a child for sacrifice when he was unable to offer the extra money as requested. He gave up his 4-year-old daughter, Amina Shamsu.
“When Adamu was unable to provide additional funds as demanded, the suspects allegedly threatened him with dire consequences unless he brought a child for sacrifice. Under duress, he handed over his 4-year-old daughter, Amina Shamsu.”
Officers from the Koko Divisional Police Headquarters quickly rushed the area and took the culprits into custody while they were still acting. Three bottles of local perfume, a calabash, black and white clothing, and other charms were recovered from them.
In the second operation, Abubakar Muhammad, a commercial motorcycle, and his two passengers, Abdullahi Bello and Jamilu Adamu, were ambushed by four armed men on February 9, 2025, at approximately 8:00 PM, as they were traveling to Unguwar Mairago village in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area.
The perpetrators attacked the victims with knives and sticks.
When the victims cried out for assistance, police officials at a nearby checkpoint heard them. They acted quickly and took two of the attackers, Bashar Abdullahi and Babangida Hassan, into custody.
While two of the other suspects were able to get away, a knife was found at the site.
Commissioner of Police CP Bello Sani commended his officers’ prompt response, commended their alertness, and encouraged all staff to continue being proactive while responding to distress calls.
He gave the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Deputy Commissioner of Police instructions to step up efforts to find the escaping suspects and guarantee a comprehensive investigation for appropriate prosecution.