The Kano State Police Command in Nigeria has transferred 76 suspects, including a foreign national, to Force Headquarters in Abuja for a thorough investigation on charges of sedition. These individuals were arrested for flying Russian flags during the nationwide hunger protests.
Kano State Police Commissioner, Salman Garba, provided an update on Monday, August 12, 2024, stating, “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 revealed that the command has so far arrested 873 suspects and recovered a large quantity of exhibits. “A total of 600 suspects have been prosecuted for various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson,” he noted.
Additionally, 150 suspects have been arrested and prosecuted for violating the curfew enforced by the Kano State Government. An additional six suspects linked with masterminding the destruction, arson, and looting of the Kano Printing Press (KPP) are undergoing investigation. The police chief emphasized that items recovered from the suspects included two AK-47 rifles and other substantial properties looted by the hoodlums from the Audu Bako Secretariat, NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press, and supermarkets.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent protest, Garba highlighted the achievements of the police command,
“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,”He stated.
