The police command in Jigawa says it arrested three men for stealing 48 goats in Babura and Kiyawa LGAs.

Police commissioner Ahmadu Abdullahi told journalists in Dutse on Thursday that the suspects were arrested in separate operations between Monday and Tuesday.

Mr Abdullahi said two of the suspects, identified as Abdullahi Usman, 20, and Hassan Ado,22, allegedly conspired with one Tasiu Umar, now at large and stole 26 goats worth N1.3 million.

The commissioner said one Hassan Ibrahim of Abari village in Niger Republic had, on January 22, at about 9:00 a.m., approached the Babura police station and reported the theft of his goats worth N1.3 million.

Upon receipt of the report, he said the command swung into action, leading to the arrest of Usman Ado and the recovery of eight goats in their possession.

The commissioner said the suspects, during interrogation, confessed to having stolen the 26 goats and also confirmed that 18 of the goats were sold to Abdullahi Amadu of Kunyafa village and one Mustapha of Madangana village, both at large at the cost of N210,000.

The police chief added that the arrested third suspect, identified as Ado Buba, 25, a resident of Dundubus village in Dutse, was arrested in possession of 22 goats suspected to be stolen.

“On January 23, at about 4:00 p.m., a patrol team attached to Kiyawa police division, while on patrol, had accosted Ado Buba, aged 22, of Dundubus Fulani camp in Dutse, while in possession of 22 goats strongly suspected to be stolen,” he said.

During his interrogation, Mr Abdullahi said Mr Buba confessed to having stolen the goats from Andaza in Kiyawa.

“Later, the owner of the goats, one Adamu Maina of Andaza village, was traced, and he identified the goats as being his,” the police commissioner added.

The police boss said the suspects would be charged in court upon completion of the investigation. 

(NAN)