The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two additional suspects linked to the violent attack on the Farm Centre GSM Market in Kano earlier this year, bringing the total number of suspects arraigned in connection with the incident to seven.
The command disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna.
According to the police, the latest arrests followed intelligence-led investigations into the April 28 attack on the popular electronics and mobile phone market, which reportedly resulted in the destruction of businesses and damage to vehicles.
The newly arrested suspects were identified as 18-year-old Sadiq Ayuba of Darmanawa Quarters and 38-year-old Abdulganiyu Abba of Mariri Quarters in Kano.
Police said Ayuba confessed during interrogation that he and other suspects were allegedly mobilized and paid by a man identified as Mallam Hassan, who remains at large, to attack the market and members of the entourage of political figure A A Zaura.
Authorities said the violence damaged several business premises, a Toyota ambulance linked to the entourage and a tricycle belonging to a resident identified as Shamsuddeen Sani.
“All seven suspects were today arraigned before Magistrate Court Number 2, Nomansland, Kano, for prosecution on charges relating to criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, unlawful assembly, being armed with deadly weapons, and mischief,” the statement said.
The suspects were formally charged before the Kano magistrate court on Tuesday as investigations continue into the wider network allegedly involved in organizing the attack.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori reaffirmed the command’s determination to identify and prosecute all individuals connected to violent thuggery and organized public disturbances in the state.
He also confirmed that security operatives are continuing efforts to apprehend the fleeing principal suspect, Mallam Hassan.
Bakori commended residents for providing information that assisted investigators and urged the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies through timely intelligence sharing.
“The Command remains committed to upholding law and order and ensuring that perpetrators of violence face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.
The Farm Centre GSM Market is one of Kano’s major commercial hubs for mobile phones, electronics and accessories, attracting traders and customers from across northern Nigeria.
The attack had raised concerns among traders and residents over recurring incidents of political thuggery and insecurity in parts of Kano State ahead of increasing political activity across the country.
