Police Arrest Female-Led Phone Theft Syndicate in Kano

Kano State Police Command has apprehended a 19-year-old woman, Shamsiyya Adamu, alleged to be the mastermind behind a phone theft syndicate targeting residents in the Kano metropolis. The arrest also led to the capture of four accomplices who were reportedly part of her criminal operations.

The police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, revealed that Ms. Adamu, a resident of Brigade Quarters, was arrested on December 21, 2024, following multiple complaints from residents in the Unguwa Uku area. Investigations showed that she had been involved in a series of thefts throughout the year, with 30 reported cases linked to her activities.

According to Mr. Kiyawa, the suspect used a tricycle operator and a cybercriminal to execute her operations, primarily targeting housewives in residential areas. Victims reported being deceived, having their phones stolen, and in some cases, money withdrawn from their bank accounts.

The police identified Idris Yusuf, a 23-year-old tricycle operator, as Ms. Adamu’s transporter. Another accomplice, Al’asan Dahiru, 24, was said to specialize in disposing of stolen items, while Abdulmajid Haruna, 27, acted as a receiver for the stolen goods. Salim Auwalu, 21, was also arrested for his role in withdrawing money from victims’ accounts.

During the arrests, six mobile phones were recovered from the suspects. Among the 30 reported cases against Ms. Adamu in 2024, complainants included 29 women and one man.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, commended the efforts of the special intervention squad responsible for apprehending the suspects. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will face charges as authorities work to return stolen items to their rightful owners.