The Borno State Police Command apprehended Fatima Abacha, also known as Bintu, a female serial phone snatcher, along with 84 other suspects accused of various criminal offenses in the state,Daily Trust reports.
The charges against the suspects span criminal conspiracy, rape, homicide, armed robbery, theft, forgery, possession of dangerous weapons, and possession of Indian hemp. These offenses occurred between October 1 and December 31, 2023.
During a parade of the suspects in Maiduguri, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Daso Nahum, disclosed that the command recorded 49 cases during this period. Of these, 27 suspects were convicted, 14 cases were under investigation, and 31 others were charged in court.
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Bintu, residing in Shehuri South, Maiduguri, and wanted for serial theft of mobile phones, was apprehended on December 28, 2023. In the course of the investigation, she implicated her accomplice, Mohammed Isa, from the Babban Layi area of the metropolis.
The syndicate’s modus operandi involved posing as house help to gain access to residential houses and stealing mobile phones from unsuspecting homeowners. One Techno LC6 phone was recovered as evidence, and the case is still under investigation to apprehend any receivers who will be prosecuted.
Nahum also disclosed that on December 31, 2023, four suspects were arrested for alleged criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, possession of weapons, and possession of Indian hemp. Exhibits found in their possession included dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, one sword, two pots used for inhaling an intoxicant locally called shisha, one stick, and five mobile phones.
The suspects are under investigation for diligent prosecution under the Borno State Penal Code Law and other relevant laws. One suspect confessed to acquiring a locally made pistol from someone in Kalimbo village, Babbangida LGA of Yobe, and efforts are underway to arrest this individual.
During the Christmas and New Year festive season, the command also apprehended eight suspected members of a Malian gang in raids on suspected criminal hideouts in Mairi, Fori, Tashan Bama, and Gwange.
