Police Parades Suspected Kidnappers, Armed Robbers, Lists Achievements

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

The Nigerian Police, Plateau state Command, today, Monday paraded 12 suspects with various allegations of kidnapping, armed robbery and cattle rustling among other crimes during a press briefing addressed by the states Commissioner of Police, Austin Agbonlahor at the Police Headquarters in Jos.

The Command also listed its achievements in curbing crimes in the state in the last three weeks having successfully tackled cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and cattle rustling within the period under review.

Agbonlahor said that the Command rescued victims of kidnappings without paying any ransom and arrested some suspects who perpetrated the acts. He stated further that one hundred and fifteen (115) rustled cattle were also recovered.

The statement reads, “The recent operation of the Command with the assistance of the IGP STS which led to the rescue of HRH Engr. David Isah Dongbam, the paramount ruler of Dorock Kingdom of Shendam L.G.A on 24/11/2018 in perfect health condition and without payment of ransom is still fresh in our minds.”

Paraded suspects with recovered exhibits

Agbonlahor said the Command arrested Three (3) suspected kidnappers and rescued the victim. The arrested suspects are; Abba Sa’eed, Kabiru Sabitu and Abdullahi Kabiru who have confessed to the commission of the crime of kidnapping a 6 years old Aliyu Aminu in Angwa Rogo area of Jos. The suspects were alleged to have demanded a ransom of twelve million naira (N12, 000,000) to secure the victim’s release.

The Command said it recovered one Hundred and Fifteen (115) cows belonging to one Ibrahim Suleiman, aged 33years old of Sabo Gida- Karnar which were rustled by five armed men in Jos South LGA. The recovered cows have since been handed over to the owner while the effort is being intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The CP also said that the Command arrested another Two (2) suspected kidnappers and rescued the victims. The suspects, Mohammad Sanni Umar, 20 years old and Ibrahim Alhaji Ardo Boderi, 22 years old were alleged of kidnapping Adama Umaru, aged 56 years and her daughter, Rabiat Umaru, aged 16 years from Kampani Zurak Village of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State. He said, “Investigation is in progress to unravel the motive behind the crime. Suspects shall be charged to court as soon as the investigation is over.” The victims were rescued unhurt and no ransom paid.

Also, Agbonlahor said the Command again Arrested Six (6) armed robbery suspects who on 14 November 2018 at about 2230hrs stormed Mrs. Laraba’s Discussion Continue Bar in Jenta Adamu area of Jos and robbed her customers of their phones and other valuables. He said, “Reacting on the tip-off, our detectives arrested the following suspects; Daniel Amabu, David Michael, Aron Kassin, Agan Christopher, Emmanuel Gabriel, James Adamu Samuel all of the various addresses. Items recovered from the suspects included; Seven (7) Handset of different make, a wallet belonging to a retired Major General containing; a Visa Card, Driving License, First Bank ATM Card, Passport photographs and complimentary cards. The investigation is on to arrest more members of the gang”.

In another armed robbery case, a suspect, Segun Thomas was arrested with locally made revolver pistol and one bullet at West of Mines.

The Police Chief said that the Command foiled an armed robbery attack on 17 November 2018 at about 2030hrs at Aloba Filling Station, opposite Coca-Cola Company, Anglo-Jos. He said, “In a swift response, Police Patrol Teams in a combined operation with Operation Safe Haven (STF) personnel raced to the scene where the hoodlums fled and abandoned their vehicle, a Toyota prelude with Reg. No. AW 505 MKA. The investigation is on to get the suspects.”

The Police boss called on members of the public to be more security conscious and report suspicious movements around them. He noted that “the upsurge of crime in the state is as a result of the negative drive by some criminally minded individuals who are bent on celebrating the forthcoming festivities in style to the detriment of their victims.”

On political development in the state, the CP urged politicians to play by the rules stating that adequate security would be provided at all campaign venues.

He said, “as such, no hate speeches will be tolerated by the Command; campaigns should be issue-based.” He advised parents/guidance to monitor activities of their children/ward and that no one should accept to be used as a thug. He urged the public to, “eschew violence before, during and after the forthcoming elections.”