The Katsina State Police Command has arrested Usamatu Adamu, the village head of Unguwan Tambai, Runka in Safana Local Government Area, for allegedly providing information to bandits operating in the region.
The police spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed the arrest while parading 15 suspects for various criminal activities at the police headquarters in Katsina.
According to ASP Sadiq-Aliyu, the 45-year-old traditional ruler was apprehended on October 3 in Sabon Gida village, located in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, after a coordinated operation based on credible intelligence.
He is being investigated for his alleged involvement in a criminal conspiracy and several kidnapping incidents in Runka, Safana LGA.
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“The suspect was arrested after a painstaking investigation revealed his role in multiple kidnappings within Runka town,” said the police spokesperson. “Preliminary investigations revealed that he was supplying information to bandits in the area.”
Adamu has reportedly confessed to the crime and named his alleged accomplices as Rabe Sada, alias “BBC,” aged 62, and Nasiru Sha’aibu, aged 48, both residents of Runka village.
According to the police, the trio was suspended from their community roles for allegedly collaborating with a notorious bandits’ kingpin known as Umar, who is believed to be hiding in Runka Forest.
“The three were implicated for providing strategic information to Umar, enabling the bandits to carry out kidnappings and other criminal activities in the area. The investigation is still ongoing to unravel the full extent of their involvement,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated.
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In a related development, the Katsina State Police Command also arrested a 42-year-old suspect, Usman Mohammed-Iyal, for the brutal rape and attempted murder of a 16-year-old girl at Ambassadors Quarters in Katsina.
According to ASP Sadiq-Aliyu, the victim was sent on an errand by her mother when Mohammed-Iyal accosted her, dragged her into an uncompleted building, and violently assaulted her.
After the assault, the suspect attempted to cover up his crime by throwing the girl into a nearby well and hurling stones at her to ensure her death.
“The suspect attempted to kill the victim by throwing her into a well and dropping stones inside to prevent her from escaping,” Sadiq-Aliyu said. “Her father reported her disappearance at the GRA Divisional Police Headquarters, which prompted immediate action from the police.”
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Following a swift search and rescue operation, the girl was found alive in the well and promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The suspect was arrested shortly after.
“The victim is currently receiving medical attention, and further investigations are ongoing to ensure justice is served,” the police spokesperson added.
These recent arrests highlight the growing concerns over the security challenges in Katsina State as the police intensify efforts to tackle crime and protect the lives and property of residents.
Daily trust