The Kano State Police Command has arrested two additional suspects in connection with the violent attack that erupted at the popular Farm Centre GSM Market in Kano, bringing the total number of persons apprehended over the incident to seven.
- +Police arrest two more suspects over Farm Centre GSM Market violence in Kano
The fresh arrests followed what the police described as “discreet and intelligence-led investigations” into the April 28 attack, which disrupted commercial activities and led to destruction of property at the bustling phone market.
The fresh arrests followed what the police described as “discreet and intelligence-led investigations” into the April 28 attack, which disrupted commercial activities and led to destruction of property at the bustling phone market.
The newly arrested suspects were identified as 18-year-old Sadiq Ayuba of Darmanawa Quarters and Abdulganiyu Abba, 38, of Mariri Quarters, both in Kano metropolis.
According to the police, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly mobilized to participate in the attack targeting the Farm Centre GSM Market and the entourage of prominent APC chieftain, Abdulsalam Abdulkarim, popularly known as AA Zaura.
Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kano, disclosed in a statement that one of the suspects, Sadiq Ayuba, confessed during interrogation that he and others were allegedly paid by a fleeing suspect identified simply as Mallam Hassan to carry out the operation.
The incident reportedly resulted in the destruction of businesses and properties within the market, while a Toyota ambulance vehicle attached to the entourage and a commercial tricycle belonging to one Shamsuddeen Sani were also damaged.
Police authorities said all seven suspects linked to the incident were arraigned before Magistrate Court Number 2 sitting at Nomansland, Kano, on Tuesday.
They are facing charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, unlawful assembly, possession of dangerous weapons, and mischief.
Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, said the command remained determined to track down all individuals connected to the violence, including sponsors and masterminds.
Bakori disclosed that a manhunt had already been launched for the principal suspect, Mallam Hassan, who is currently at large.
He also commended residents for providing useful information that assisted investigators in making the arrests, urging members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies through timely intelligence sharing.
The police boss reassured residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and preventing further acts of thuggery and violence across the state.
The Farm Centre GSM Market, regarded as one of the largest mobile phone and electronics trading hubs in northern Nigeria, has in recent years witnessed occasional security concerns linked to clashes among rival groups and criminal activities.
