Police bust notorious robbery gang linked to killing of DJ Bashir in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command says it has arrested members of a notorious armed robbery syndicate linked to multiple murders and high-profile robberies in Abuja and Niger State.
Zagazola report that the Commissioner of Police (CP), FCT Command, had earlier directed tactical teams to embark on clearance operations across the territory between Sept. 3 and Sept. 19.
Sources told Zagazola that the operatives of the Scorpion Squad, coordinated by ACP Victor Godfrey, carried out operations around Kagini and Madalla in Niger State, leading to the arrest of three suspects.
Sources gave their identities as Ibrahim Shaibu, alias Baba Godes, 28, from Zaria, Kaduna State, resident in Madalla; Yusuf Salihu, 40, of Kagini; and Awulu Nuhu, alias Zabi, from Keita LGA, Katsina State; and Usman Yerima, alias Dangrugru, 28, from Jimeta, Adamawa State.
Items recovered from them included two English pistols with 49 rounds of 9mm live ammunition and a grey 2012 Toyota Corolla, which they confessed was snatched in Benin City, Edo State.
According to the sources , investigations revealed that on July 12, 2024, the gang attacked and robbed Umar Y. Gowa, a protective security detail attached to Gov. Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano State, at his residence in Dawaki, Abuja.
The suspects allegedly stole his service pistol and a Toyota Corolla. The pistol has since been recovered and returned to the Department of State Services (DSS).
The sourcessaid the gang was also responsible for the June 16, 2024, attack at Volcano Peak Hotel, Gwarinpa, where they fatally shot a disc jockey identified as DJ Bashir Dauda.
Similarly, on July 20, 2024, the suspects engaged security operatives at Arab Junction, Utako, during which two gang members, Ibrahim Yakubu of Chikun LGA, Kaduna State, and Mukhata Abdullahi, were neutralised, while others escaped.
He added that the suspects named several accomplices, including one Sani Ginwa, wanted for the murder of late Brig.-Gen. Uwen Harod Udokwe at his Apo residence on June 22, 2024.
Ten assorted android phones were also recovered from the suspects.
The sources said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members and recover additional weapons and exhibits.
