The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested six suspected phone thieves accused of stealing mobile phones from participants at the presidential campaign flag-off rally of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, in Bauchi State.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Police Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU), who were deployed to provide security at the campaign venue.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Sunday, November 8, explaining that officers became suspicious of the movements of some individuals during the gathering.
The suspects were identified as Muhammad Rabiu, 20; Ibrahim Abubakar, 25; Hamza Usman, 18; Abba Bala, 20; Auwal Muhammad, 23; and Inusa Adamu, 20.
Police said exhibits were recovered from four of the suspects, while two others were identified by a victim who alleged that they were responsible for stealing his mobile phone.
Items recovered included an itel torchlight phone, an OPPO Android phone, an Infinix Smart 20 smartphone and a 20,000mAh power bank.
However, a Samsung Fold 4 allegedly stolen during the rally had yet to be recovered, as investigators continued efforts to retrieve the device and other missing valuables.
The command said investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon their conclusion.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the operatives for their vigilance and urged residents attending political gatherings to safeguard their belongings and report suspicious activities.
The incident highlights the importance of effective security arrangements at large political gatherings, where crowded venues can create opportunities for theft and other criminal activities.
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