News
Police Arrest Gang Targeting Bank Customers, Stealing From Cars
Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have nabbed several members of a four-man syndicate that specialises in robbing bank customers.
The syndicate also uses locally fabricated master keys to gain unauthorised access to their victims’ vehicles.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, the gang targets bank customers across Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states.
The arrested members include Mustapha Bukar, 42; Mustapha Abubakar, 47; and Habibu Tijjani, 30. The fourth member, who is the gang leader, is currently at large.
“The modus operandi of the suspects involves monitoring bank customers who withdraw substantial amounts of money with the intention of robbing them. They utilise locally fabricated master keys, known as ‘Chori,’ to gain unauthorised access to their victims’ vehicles and properties.
“On January 28, 2025, operatives from the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the syndicate, which specialises in targeting bank customers across Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states. A thorough investigation revealed that on January 27, 2025, at around 5 pm, the suspects observed a 43-year-old businessman (name withheld) leaving FCMB Bank in Bauchi after withdrawing a substantial sum for his business operations.
“The suspects followed him to his residence, positioning their vehicles strategically as they awaited his exit, intending to rob him of his funds. Upon realising he was being followed, the victim contacted his family to open the gate and secure his vehicle. He then informed the police about the suspicious activities, which led to the apprehension of three suspects.
“During the investigation, all apprehended suspects confessed to their involvement and provided crucial information that will aid in the capture of the ringleader, who is still at large,” the statement partly read.
The statement added that items recovered from the suspects included three locally fabricated master keys and two Toyota Honda saloon vehicles.
It also noted that the suspects specifically targeted individuals who had withdrawn money from banks, trailing them to their destinations.
“Once the victims parked their vehicles, the suspects used the fabricated keys to unlawfully access the cars. The suspects indicated that Honda vehicles are particularly susceptible due to weak locking mechanisms.”
The State Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad, urged residents to exercise vigilance when leaving banks, avoid parking in isolated areas, refrain from carrying large sums of money in public, and report any suspicious activities near banks, financial institutions, or residential areas to the police.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting ECOWAS and strengthening regional ties.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, he highlighted Lagos’ strategic role as a hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange in West Africa.
Sanwo-Olu commended ECOWAS for evolving from a mere concept into a vital institution shaping the region’s future. He acknowledged the gathering of leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing integration, peace, and economic growth.
The Governor also praised the ECOWAS Parliament for its efforts in promoting regional unity, defending citizens’ rights, and tackling shared challenges.
Nollywood actor and comedian Ijoba Lande has made terrible disclosures about his troubled marriage, alleging that his wife has been unfaithful with multiple men, including powerful figures in the entertainment industry.
In a heartbreaking outburst, Lande claimed that his marriage has been in turmoil for months, with his wife allegedly engaging in extramarital affairs with at least 21 men in the industry. He further revealed that their intimacy had ceased for over eight months, fueling his suspicions.
The actor recalled a painful incident during his child’s naming ceremony when his wife’s male friend openly danced with her and even tapped her on the backside in front of guests.
“I have evidence, but if I mention their names, I might not make it home alive because powerful men are involved,” he lamented.
The Islamic police in Kano, Hisbah has nabbed Muslims seen eating and drinking publicly, as well as those selling food during Ramadan when Muslims are expected to fast from dawn until dusk.
According to the deputy commander of the Hisbah, Mujahid Aminudeen, twenty people have now been arrested for not fasting and five others for selling food. He further stated that the operations which began on Saturday, will stretch till the end of the month.
Aminudeen also stated that “we don’t concern ourselves with non-Muslims” and that any “disrespect” for Ramadan would not be condoned.
“It’s heart-breaking that in such a holy month meant for fasting, adult Muslims would be seen eating and drinking publicly. We won’t condone that and that’s why we went out to make arrests,” he said.
The Hisbah official revealed that all 25 arrested offenders had been charged in a Sharia court and would be punished accordingly.
He further highlighted that they sometimes get tip-offs when people are seen eating.
“We do get calls from people who are enraged after seeing people eating in public and we act fast by going to the area to make arrests.”
Last year, those arrested for not fasting were freed after promising to fast, while the relatives or guardians of some of them were summoned and ordered to monitor them to make sure they fast.
Those arrested this year were not so lucky as they will have to face the court.
Ramadan has a special significance in Islam. It is usually observed during daylight hours and lasts 29 or 30 days each year. This year, it is expected to end on Sunday 30 March.
GI’s Legal Corner
Sharia law was introduced to work alongside secular law in 12 of Nigeria’s northern states just a little more than two decades ago.
Under the Sharia Law, fasting during Ramadan is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all Muslims who are physically and mentally capable. This ruling is based on Quran 2:183:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
It is also based on the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad:
“Whoever does not fast (in Ramadan) without a valid excuse, will not be able to compensate for it, even if he fasts for the rest of his life.”
In Nigeria, the Sharia law ruling on fasting during Ramadan is widely observed by Muslims, particularly in the northern regions where Sharia law is more prevalent. Muslims in Nigeria are expected to refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
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