- Put in place a series of strategies to prevent crime
The Plateau State Police Command has disclosed that its operatives have uncovered an Internet fraud or ‘Yahoo yahoo’ training centre in Jos, the state capital.
Even as it paraded 23 suspects for crimes ranging from cybercrime, Yahoo-Yahoo, trafficking, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms among others.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police in the State, Emmanuel Adesina while parading the suspects at the Command’s headquarters in Jos the State Capital.
He said, “I and my Management Team have put in place a series of strategies to prevent crime and ensure the security of lives and properties within the state.
“Some of these measures include; the improvement in our response time, the intensification of efforts toward ensuring the arrest of suspects, and due prosecution of criminals.
According to him, some of our operational breakthroughs include; the arrest of suspects, firearm fabrication/dealing, and armed robbery facilitation.
“On 16th October 2024, at about 07:00am while acting upon credible intelligence, the Command’s Eagle Eye Patrol Unit (EEPU) arrested one Jonathan Arin, 27 years, one Moses Festus 27 years, Sambo Audu 30 years, Nehemiah Yakubu 25 years, all male of Angwan Rukuba Jos.
“The suspects were arrested in possession of locally fabricated rifles, pistols and other dangerous tools and equipment used in the fabrication of firearms.
“Upon interviewing the suspects, they all confessed to the crime and issued their confessional statements which were recorded under words of caution.
“Investigation is ongoing to recover all firearms already distributed to some mischievous persons and arrest more suspects”, he explained.
On the arrest of a suspect for criminal conspiracy, wrongful confinement, assault, fraud and rescue of suspects, the CP said, “On the 20th of October, 2024, at about 10:30am, we received a report that the following persons, one Ateh Anthony Idoko, 23 and Daniel Idoko both 23 years old of Agingi, Rukuba Road who are internet fraudsters (Yahoo-Yahoo).
According to him, “They conspired among themselves to traffic young boys who have just graduated from Secondary school to a secluded residence, locked them up, seized their phones and having shown them how to masterfully defraud people via romance scam and other cyber-related frauds, forced them to go into the internet and continue to defraud innocent would-be victims and in the event where they refuse to cooperate, the ring leader beat them mercilessly with a horsewhip.
“Upon receipt of this information, the Divisional Police Officer Rantya division under my strict directive, immediately mobilized men and swung into action, raided the hideout where eleven suspects were arrested, including the two principal suspects.
“Our investigations are currently ongoing, while efforts are being intensified with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects and ensuring that they face the full weight of the law”, he assured.
Speaking on the case of child trafficking, Adesina said, “On 12th October 2024, at about 04:30pm, we received a report at “A” division Police Station stating that on 11th October 2024, at about 04:30pm when they returned from work, they discovered that four of their children were missing.
“Upon inquiry, they were informed by their neighbour’s daughter that they were seen with one Comfort, fema ale who usually comes to visit her friend, one Adamu Bawa in the compound to buy her biscuits.
“Upon receipt of the report, our men immediately swung into action which led to the rescue of the four children and two suspects.
He, however, said the case is currently under investigation and will be charged to court upon conclusion.
For the arrest of suspects for unlawful possession of locally made firearms and recovery of firearms, the Police Boss said, “On 11th September 2024, at about 02:00pm, while on surveillance patrol along Plateau State University (PLASU) Bokkos, our team arrested one Destiny Gomwalk, male upon reasonable suspicion.
“In the process of interviewing the suspect and upon conducting a search on him, one locally fabricated revolver pistol was recovered from his possession.
He said the case is under investigation at the State CID with a view to charging the suspect to Court for onward prosecution.
Adesina further stated that in a time such as this, the role of our communities in maintaining the peace and security of the state cannot be overemphasized, saying, ”I will like to thank the good people of Plateau State, for their continued support for the Police and their input in this fight against crime and criminality.
“I encourage you to continue to partner with the Police to ensure a better and more peaceful Plateau State. When you see something, say something.
“To our wonderful members of the fourth estate of the realm, I thank you for your support so far; this support and partnership has been crucial to the promotion and maintenance of peace in our dear State.
“Therefore, I encourage you to keep up the good work and always ensure that the good people of Plateau State are fed with accurate, timely and verified information”, he admonished.
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