The Kano State Police Command said on Monday it had transferred the 76 suspects arrested for flying Russian flags, including a foreigner to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, for discreet investigation on charges of sedition.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Salman Garba, disclosed this on Monday while giving an update on the suspects arrested during the nationwide hunger protest that turned violent in the North.

Garba said the press conference was “to provide a comprehensive update on the recent violent incidents that resulted in wanton destruction and looting of government and public properties in Kano State instigated by hoodlums under the guise of nationwide protest, as well as the achievements recorded by the command in crime prevention, management and control from August 1 to date.”

He disclosed that “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, and these efforts resulted in the arrest of 873 suspects and recovery of large quantity of exhibits.”

He disclosed the “arrest and transfer of 76 suspects flying Russian flags, including a foreigner to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for discreet investigation on charges of sedition.”

The CP also announced the “arrest and prosecution of 150 suspects for violating the curfew enforced by the Kano State government.”

Additionally, Garba said six suspects were arrested over links “with masterminding the destruction, setting ablaze and looting of the Kano Printing Press.”

He also disclosed the “arrest and prosecution of 600 suspects for various offences, including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, riot, theft, mischief, and arson.

“Arrest of 41 suspects for other major crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, car theft, etc.”

He said the police recovered exhibits such as two AK-47 rifles “and other substantial properties looted by the hoodlums at Audu Bako Secretariat NCC Office, High Court Complexes, Kano Printing Press, Super Markets, etc.”

“Despite the challenges posed by the recent protest, it is important to highlight some of the achievements recorded by the Police Command in crime prevention, management, and control within the period under review.

“The Command has remained resolute and steadfast in its duty to protect the lives and property of all residents in Kano State. 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, eight and eight suspected car thieves,” the CP added.

Meanwhile, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Monday, suspended indefinitely the curfew imposed on the state over the eruption of violence during the #EndbadGovernance protests in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Halilu Baba Dantiye, made the disclosure on Monday.

The governor had on August 1 imposed a 24-hour curfew after the nationwide peaceful hunger protest in the state degenerated to violence and massive destruction of public and private property and looting.

“Peace has gradually returned to the commercial city of Kano, as banks, Sabon Gari market and multiple business premises have all opened their shops for the commencement of business operations. It’s an indication that peace has returned to Kano, hence the need to relax the curfew indefinitely,” the governor said. (The PUNCH)

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