By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Gombe
The Gombe State Police Command has rescued an eight-year-old boy abducted in Akko Local Government Area and arrested four suspects linked to the crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Ahmed Chuso, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the Command’s recent achievements in combating kidnapping, cybercrime and other criminal activities.
He said the boy’s father, Alhaji Muhammad Nabadara, reported to the Akko Divisional Police Headquarters on June 28 that his son had gone missing after leaving home the previous evening.
According to the police commissioner, an intelligence-led operation led to the arrest of the first suspect, Abdullahi Mohammed of Jauro Musa Quarters, Kumo, on June 30. His confession subsequently led to the arrest of three alleged accomplices identified as Mohammed Magaji (35), Sale Sale (23) and Walida Ya’u (18), all residents of Kagarawal Quarters in Gombe metropolis.
The victim was rescued unharmed and reunited with his family, while the suspects will be arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.
CP Chuso also announced the dismantling of an eight-member criminal syndicate allegedly involved in armed robbery and cyber-enabled financial fraud.
He said the investigation began after two residents of Wuro Birji in Akko LGA reported that hoodlums attacked them on June 7 and stole their mobile phones.
According to him, the suspects allegedly used information stored on the devices to gain unauthorised access to the victims’ bank accounts, withdrawing ₦296,790 and obtaining an additional ₦205,205 through a quick loan facility.
Police said technical intelligence traced one of the fraudulent transactions to a Moniepoint account, leading to the arrest of the alleged ringleader, Mustapha Kabiru, popularly known as “Musty Bobo,” a 19-year-old student of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaltungo.
His confession led to the arrest of seven other suspected members of the syndicate.
The commissioner said investigations revealed the group was linked to more than 13 similar cases across Wuro Birji, Riyal, Bomala and Jauro Jatau communities, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects.
In a related operation, police raided criminal hideouts across Gombe metropolis on July 7, arresting 44 suspects allegedly involved in drug abuse and thuggery. Some were found in possession of offensive weapons, Indian hemp and other intoxicants.
The command also impounded 121 vehicles operating with concealed, altered or missing registration plates, while 114 motorists have been prosecuted for offences under the National Road Traffic Regulations and the Road Traffic Act. The police urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and display valid number plates at all times.
