The police command in Kaduna State said its operatives have arrested a notorious bandit leader who masterminded the Fadan Kamantan inferno where a seminarian and a church were burnt in 2023.

The command’s public relations officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the arrest in a statement in Kaduna.

Mr Hassan said, “Operatives of the command have successfully apprehended a notorious kidnapper, Yakubu Saidu, also known as Ismail, who was involved in banditry, culpable homicide and mischief by fire.”

He said that on September 7, 2023, at about 8:30 p.m., the officer in charge of Fadan Kamantan, Zonkwa, alerted authorities of a distressing situation at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Kamantan, where suspected bandits had launched an attack.

“In spite of the urgency of the situation, police operatives, in collaboration with military personnel, swiftly mobilised to the scene.

“Regrettably, the suspects had already set ablaze the priest’s residence before the arrival of the security personnel.

” In spite of the valiant efforts, one Seminarian, Stephen Naaman, tragically lost his life in the inferno and property worth millions of naira, including a Honda vehicle and a motorcycle, were consumed by the fire,“ he said.

Mr Hassan said that due to diligence and the tireless pursuit of the issue by the police, on Friday, one Yakubu Saidu, the alleged mastermind and leader of the notorious gang, was apprehended, and he confessed to his involvement in the heinous crime.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Ali Audu, has commended the police operatives for the swift and effective response to the distress call.

“The police command reassures the public of its unwavering resolve to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of all residents,“ Mr Hassan added.