The Kano State Police Command has transferred 76 suspects, including a foreign national, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for discreet investigation on charges of sedition.
The suspects were arrested for flying Russian flags during the recent nationwide hunger protests, which turned violent in parts of northern Nigeria.
Speaking to the press on Monday, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, provided updates on the ongoing investigations and arrests related to the unrest.
“In line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to all commands and formations, the Kano Command worked diligently and professionally towards addressing the aftermath of these events,” Garba said. “These efforts resulted in the arrest of 873 suspects and the recovery of a large quantity of exhibits.”
Garba confirmed that the 76 suspects involved in flying Russian flags during the protests have been transferred to Abuja for further investigation. He also noted that a foreign national among the suspects was transferred for a discreet investigation on sedition charges.
In addition, 150 individuals were arrested and are currently being prosecuted for violating the curfew imposed by the Kano State government during the protests. The commissioner also reported the arrest of six suspects connected to the destruction, arson, and looting of the Kano Printing Press.
“In addition to these arrests, 600 suspects are facing prosecution for various offences, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson,” Garba added. He also mentioned that the police had recovered substantial amounts of looted property, including two AK-47 rifles, from the suspects.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent unrest, Garba highlighted the successes of the Kano State Police Command in crime prevention and control.
“Through proactive policing strategies and community engagement, we have successfully achieved tremendous successes within the period under review with the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, five suspected armed robbers, and eight suspected car thieves,” he said.
In a related development, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf announced on Monday the indefinite suspension of the curfew imposed in the state following the violence during the #EndbadGovernance protests.
The announcement, made by State Commissioner for Information, Halilu Baba Dantiye, came after a review of the security situation in Kano.
The curfew had been enforced in response to the violent protests that led to widespread looting and destruction of both public and private property across the state.
