Police Bust Woman-led Phone Theft Syndicate, Arrest 5 Suspects in Kano
The Kano State Police Command has successfully dismantled a female-led phone theft syndicate, arresting five individuals connected to a series of mobile phone thefts and fraudulent activities in the state.
The syndicate, led by 19-year-old Shamsiyya Adamu, was uncovered after months of public complaints about the increasing frequency of mobile phone thefts across Kano metropolis.
According to a statement by the Police spokesperson in the State, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, Shamsiyya, a resident of Brigade Quarters in Kano, operated with the assistance of a tricyclist and a cybercriminal. Together, they targeted residential areas, deceiving housewives and stealing their mobile phones before proceeding to withdraw money from their bank accounts.
Shamsiyya’s arrest on December 21, 2024, followed a thorough investigation led by a special intervention squad set up by the Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba.
Four other individuals were arrested in connection with the thefts. They included Idris Yusuf, 23, the tricyclist who transported Shamsiyya to the crime scenes; Al’asan Dahiru, 24, who specialized in disposing of the stolen phones; Abdulmajid Haruna, 27, who bought the stolen items (from whom six mobile phones were recovered); and Salim Auwalu, 21, who withdrew money from the victims’ bank accounts.
The police revealed that 30 complaints had been lodged against Shamsiyya, with 29 of the victims being women. She has reportedly confessed to the thefts, and so far, six mobile phones have been recovered. Authorities are continuing their efforts to trace more stolen items.
The Kano State Police Command has urged additional victims to come forward and report their cases by contacting the investigation team via the phone number: 08032617800.
The Police spokesperson commended the intervention squad for their swift action and reassured the public of the Police Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
