…26 suspects nabbed
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigeria Police Force has successfully dismantled a cartel dealing in jewellery worth billions of naira obtained from armed robbery operations in Abuja and its environs.
On April 28, 2024, an armed robbery incident occurred at the residence of a police officer in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory. The officer was nearly smothered, and a secured safe containing jewellery, money, academic certificates, documents, phones, and other valuable properties belonging to various residents in the compound were stolen. CCTV footage captured the suspect at the crime scene, which has been helpful in our forensic investigations.
Subsequent investigations traced the stolen items to Wuse Market, where they were allegedly purchased by Alhaji Auwal, a member of a cartel involved in dealing in stolen jewellery. Despite police warnings to the FCT Gold Dealers Association, Alhaji Auwal facilitated the purchase and instructed his associates on how to handle it. Further investigations revealed that Alhaji Auwal, his sons, and other associates are linked to previous similar cases under police investigations.
Twenty-six suspects have been arrested in connection with the case and are being detained legally under a court order. They will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigations. It is important to note that the robbery did not occur at the residence of the Inspector General of Police, contrary to false reports.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law. All suspects are being treated according to due process. The general public is urged to disregard the falsehood being peddled by the publisher and its agents, whose duty is to constantly attack and malign the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force