Police arrest suspects for killing Kebbi teenager

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested multiple suspects in connection with a motorcycle theft syndicate and the killing of a 17-year-old boy in Birnin Kebbi.

The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Monday, noting that the command remains “fully committed to dismantling criminal networks across the state.”

He said two suspects, Muhammad Sa’idu, 22, of Kwanga village, and Kabiru Suleiman of Warrah town, were apprehended on November 20, 2025, for stealing a Bajaj motorcycle belonging to a resident of Warrah.

According to him, “During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of a wider criminal gang operating between Kebbi and Niger states.”

He added that a search on the home of one of the suspected gang members, Yahuza Aliyu, led to the recovery of several stolen items, including four motorcycles, two sewing machines, two boat engines, three pumping machines, two generators, two grinding machines, a plasma TV, solar panels, and other property.

“These recoveries clearly indicate that the suspects have been operating a coordinated theft ring,” Kotarkoshi said.

In a separate incident, the police arrested Jame Jidda, 22, for the killing of Salihu Hassan, 17, who was discovered in a pool of blood at the Ilelaryari area of Birnin Kebbi on November 24, 2025.

The PPRO explained that officers acted swiftly upon receiving the distress call. “Our operatives and vigilantes responded immediately and rushed the victim to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, but sadly, he was confirmed dead,” he said.

He added that the suspect, during preliminary investigation, admitted to stabbing the deceased. “The suspect confessed to using a sharp knife to stab the victim on the neck during an argument,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, was quoted as condemning the killing, while urging the youths to avoid violence and follow lawful channels when resolving disputes.

He said: “We appeal to the youths to always seek redress through the appropriate authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands. Violence is never the answer.”

The command said efforts are ongoing to recover the weapon used in the homicide, while both cases will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.