Display of Russian flag: Kano Police Command transfers 76 suspects to Abuja

The Kano State Police Command has handed over 76 people, including a foreign national who were arrested for displaying Russian flags, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation.

Police Commissioner Salman Garba said this on Monday while providing an update on the number of arrested suspects in Kano during the nationwide hunger protests.

He said: “This press conference today aims to provide a comprehensive update on the recent violent incidents that resulted in the wanton destruction and looting of government and public properties in Kano State.

“These incidents were instigated by hoodlums under the guise of a nationwide protest, as well as the achievements recorded by the Command in crime prevention, management, and control from August 1 to date.”

Garba disclosed that the command has taken into custody at least 873 suspects and confiscated some evidence.

He announced the prosecution of a total of 600 suspects for a variety of offenses, such as criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson.

At least, 150 individuals have been apprehended and charged for breaching the curfew imposed by the Kano State Government, while six additional suspects alleged to have orchestrated the destruction, arson, and looting of the Kano Printing Press (KPP) are currently under investigation.

Similarly, during the period under review, authorities apprehended 41 suspects for other major crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft, among others.

According to the police chief, the recovered items included two AK-47 rifles and a significant amount of property looted by the hoodlums from various locations, such as the Audu Bako Secretariat, NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press, and supermarkets.

He said: “Despite the challenges posed by the recent protest, it is important to highlight some of the achievements recorded by the Police Command in crime prevention, management, and control within the period under review.

“The Command has remained resolute and steadfast in its duty to protect the lives and properties of all residents in Kano State.

“Through proactive policing strategies and community engagement, we have successfully achieved significant successes within the period under review, including the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, five suspected armed robbers, and eight suspected car thieves.

“Others include two human trafficking suspects, 23 suspected ‘Yan Daba’ (local gangs), one notorious drug dealer, and 13 trafficking victims.”