Sokoto police arrest four suspects over vandalism, theft

• The Sokoto State Police Command arrested four suspects in separate operations involving alleged vandalism, theft, and receiving stolen property.
• A total of 28 grinding machines worth millions of naira were recovered during the operations.
• Two suspects linked to the theft of 91 grinding and rice milling machines were arrested on July 29.
• The Sokoto State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.

The Sokoto State Police Command maintains a zero-tolerance stance against criminality and will continue to deploy proactive policing strategies to protect lives and property.

The Sokoto State Police Command has been actively engaged in a series of operations to combat vandalism and theft across the state. Between July 24 and July 29, the command's Strike Force carried out coordinated operations in various parts of the metropolis, resulting in the arrest of four suspects. The arrests were made in connection with alleged vandalism, theft, and receiving stolen property, with a significant amount of valuable items recovered. These include a stolen motorcycle, copper wiring, and 28 grinding machines worth millions of naira. The recovery of these items is a testament to the command's commitment to protecting lives and property in Sokoto State.

The first operation involved the arrest of Mustapha Umar, who allegedly broke into the National Veterinary Research Institute through the ceiling and vandalised electrical installations. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime and revealed that he had conspired with another suspect, Aliyu, to carry out the theft. In a separate operation, detectives recovered a stolen red Haojue UD motorcycle less than 24 hours after it was reported missing from the Marina area. The owner, Muhammed Tukur, had reported that unknown persons broke into his residence and carted away the motorcycle. Bashar Ibrahim was arrested in possession of the motorcycle, and he willingly confessed to stealing it from the Marina area.

The Sokoto State Police Command has also announced the arrest of two suspects linked to the theft of 91 grinding and rice milling machines. Chidozie Chidi and Hamza Aliyu were arrested on July 29 following an investigation by the Strike Force. A total of 21 complete grinding machines and seven incomplete machines were recovered during the operation. The command is currently working with communities to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across Sokoto State. The Commissioner of Police at the time reaffirmed the command's resolve to sustain its crackdown on crime across the state, urging residents to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.

Lawyers should be aware of the ongoing efforts by the Sokoto State Police Command to crack down on vandalism and theft, which may impact their clients' businesses or properties in the area.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH