The Kano State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a housewife and her six children at Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters in Kano Municipal Local Government Area.
The arrests followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and were carried out through an intelligence-led operation coordinated by the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abdullahi Kiyawa, identified the suspects as Umar Auwalu, 23; Isyaku Yakubu, also known as Chebe, 40; and Yakubu Abdulaziz, also known as Wawo, 21.
According to the police, the suspects were arrested during a sting operation conducted between 10 pm on Saturday and 4 am on Sunday.
Kiyawa disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that Auwalu, a nephew of the deceased woman, was the mastermind behind the attack and had confessed to his role in the crime.
The police spokesperson further stated that Auwalu admitted that the group had been involved in previous violent crimes, including the killing and burning of two housewives at Tudun Yola Quarters in Kano.
“During interrogation, the principal suspect confessed that he led the gang in carrying out the murder,” Kiyawa said.
“He also admitted involvement in earlier killings, including the murder and burning of two housewives at Tudun Yola Quarters.”
Items recovered from the suspects include four blood-stained clothes, two mobile phones belonging to the victims, a cutlass, a club locally known as gora, some cash and other dangerous weapons.
Kiyawa commended the operatives involved in the operation for their swift and professional response, noting that the breakthrough was made possible through credible intelligence and public cooperation.
He assured residents of Kano State that investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.
“The command appreciates the support and cooperation of the public and assures the people of Kano of its continued commitment to ensuring justice and sustaining peace in the state,” the statement added.