Kano police uncover female-led robbery syndicate, arrest 5 suspects

Friday, January 3, 2025 - The Kano State Police Command has dismantled a female-led syndicate of thieves and arrested five suspects. 

The spokesperson of the command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, January 2, 2024, said the gang is led by Shamsiyya Adamu, a 19-year-old resident of Brigade Quarters Kano. 

According to the PPRO, Shamsiyya, the principal suspect, was arrested on December 21, 2024, following reports of stolen mobile phones in Unguwa Uku Quarters Kano.

The spokesperson further disclosed that 30 persons, including 29 females and 1 male, have lodged complaints against Shamsiyya, who confessed to stealing their mobile phones on various occasions in 2024. 

“In the year 2024, the Kano State Police Command received numerous reports from residents of Kano Metropolis about a young lady who steals mobile phones from residential houses,” the statement read.

"The reports indicated that the suspect was using a tricyclist and a cybercriminal to aid in her operations. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba raised a special intervention squad, and the principal suspect was arrested on December 21, 2024.

“The syndicate, led by Shamsiyya, specialized in stealing mobile phones from residential houses, using tricycles and a cybercriminal to aid in their operations. The suspects would deceive housewives, steal their mobile phones, and swindle money from their victim's bank accounts.”

The suspects arrested are:

i. Shamsiyya Adamu: The 19-year-old principal suspect and leader of the syndicate.

ii. Idris Yusuf: A 23-year-old tricycle rider who aided in transporting the principal suspect to commit crimes.

iii. Al'asan Dahiru: A 24-year-old suspect who specialized in disposing of stolen items for the principal suspect.

iv. Abdulmajid Haruna: A 27-year-old suspect who specialized in buying stolen properties. Six mobile phones were recovered from him.

v. Salim Auwalu: A 21-year-old suspect who specialized in swindling money from victims' bank accounts.

“Six mobile phones have been recovered so far, and efforts are ongoing to recover more stolen phones. Thirty complainants, including 29 females and 1 male, have lodged complaints against Shamsiyya, who confessed to stealing their mobile phones on various occasions in 2024," the statement added. 

“Anyone with a complaint against the suspects can contact the investigation team at 08032617800.”