The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested six men suspected of stealing mobile phones from attendees at the presidential campaign flag-off rally of Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde.
Police operatives attached to the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) made the arrests while providing security at the campaign venue. Officers reportedly became suspicious of the men’s movements during the gathering and moved in to apprehend them.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, announced the arrests in a statement on Sunday.
He identified the suspects as Muhammad Rabiu, 20; Ibrahim Abubakar, 25; Hamza Usman, 18; Abba Bala, 20; Auwal Muhammad, 23; and Inusa Adamu, 20.
According to the police spokesperson, officers recovered several items from four of the suspects. A victim also identified the remaining two as alleged participants in the theft of his mobile phone.
The recovered items included an itel torchlight phone, an OPPO Android phone, an Infinix Smart 20 and a 20,000mAh power bank.
Bauchi Police Search for Missing Samsung Fold 4
Despite the arrests and recovery of some items, the police said a Samsung Fold 4 allegedly stolen during the rally remained missing.
Habib explained that investigators were intensifying efforts to recover the device and other valuables reportedly taken during the event.
He added that investigations into the incident were ongoing and that authorities would charge the suspects to court after completing their inquiries.
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, praised the VCRU operatives for their vigilance and prompt response.
He warned individuals involved in criminal activities against using political rallies and other large public gatherings as opportunities to steal from unsuspecting attendees.
The commissioner also urged residents to protect their belongings whenever they attend crowded events and report suspicious movements to security personnel.
He called on members of the public to support the police with credible information to help prevent crime and maintain security across the state.