The Borno State Police Command says it has arrested 18 suspects for rape, vandalising and possession of dangerous weapons in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC and Jere Local Council in the state.
The arrests were made in the first two weeks of January 2023.
While parading the suspects, on Friday in Maiduguri, the Police Commissioner, Abdu Umar disclosed: “Either you repent of get caught and face the wrath of law,
“No person or groups of individuals are allowed to infringe on the fundamental rights of others,” he said, adding that these include the rights to life and own property.
He warned that no arrested suspect would go free in any part of the state. Umar said: “Abdullahi Mohammed, on January 18, 2023, was arrested by the Crack Operatives based on a tip-off with the alleged stealing of a solar inverter valued at N2 million.
“During the interrogations, the suspect, however, confessed to have stolen it at a solar borehole with Musa Ajakuta at Njimtilo village,” He added that the suspects also vandalised the ongoing 50 megawatts gas-powered plant in Maiduguri, the state capital.
According to him, all the atrocities committed by the suspects were thoroughly investigated before their prosecution in the courts.
Besides, he added that criminal conspiracy, mischief and theft of government property were committed by Tujja Ali, 18 and Modu Bilal, 19, who were in possession of 283 pieces of bolts and nuts.
He said the stolen materials were alleged to have been loosened after dismantling the high tension electricity tower along the Maiduguri-Damaturu Road.
According to him, the suspects revealed that this was their second time of committing similar crime, as they sold the first stolen property to one Mele, in Benisheikh.
He noted that efforts were being made in the arrest of Mele to recover the stolen electrical materials. On criminal conspiracy and public disturbances with dangerous weapons, he said: “One Sunusi Abubakar, 20, from Shuwari area noticed some boys running within the area and sighted some youths who called themselves, as Karangiya group.”
He added that they were armed with sticks and cutlasses and started beating Mohammed Alhaji Bukar, while his friend ran away. He added “While beating the victim to run for his dear life, Ali Bukar, 18, of the Al-Miskin IDP camp used a knife and attempted to cut off the victim’ head.”
The police boss explained that; “But the victim used his left hand and shielded his head, while his hand was cut off by the suspects and run away from the scene.”
He added that the principal suspect, Ali Bukar and five others, were arrested for investigation, before prosecuting them in court.
According to him, five other suspects were also arrested this month for raping five girls in Shani and Gwange community of Maiduguri metropolis.
