THE Kano State Police Command has sent 76 suspects, including a foreign national, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for in-depth investigation regarding charges of sedition.
These individuals were reportedly arrested for displaying Russian flags during the recent nationwide hunger protests, which turned violent in various regions of the North.
Speaking to the press yesterday, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, updated reporters on the ongoing investigations and arrests related to the unrest.
“In accordance with the directives from Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to all commands and formations, the Kano Command has worked diligently and professionally to address the aftermath of these incidents,” Garba stated. “These efforts led to the arrest of 873 suspects and the recovery of a significant amount of evidence.”
Garba noted that the 76 suspects arrested for waving Russian flags during the protests have been transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
“We have also sent a foreign national among the suspects to the Force Headquarters for a thorough investigation on sedition charges,” he explained.
Additionally, the commissioner revealed that 150 individuals have been arrested and are currently facing prosecution for breaching the curfew imposed by the Kano State government during the protests.
Moreover, six suspects were apprehended for their alleged roles in the vandalism, arson, and looting of the Kano Printing Press.
“In total, 600 suspects are undergoing prosecution for various offenses, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbances, riots, theft, mischief, and arson,” Garba added, stating that the police had also recovered a substantial amount of looted property, notably two AK-47 rifles, from these suspects.
Despite the challenges resulting from the recent protests, Garba commended the accomplishments of the Kano State Police Command in preventing and controlling crime.
“Through proactive policing strategies and community engagement, we have achieved significant successes during this review period, which includes the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, five suspected armed robbers, and eight suspected car thieves,” he said.
In another development, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf announced yesterday the indefinite suspension of the curfew that had been imposed in the state following the violence associated with the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The suspension was communicated by the State Commissioner for Information, Halilu Baba Dantiye, who indicated that the decision was made after evaluating the security situation in the state.
The curfew had been established in response to the violent protests that led to widespread looting and destruction of both public and private properties across Kano.
