From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command on Saturday announced the arrest of a notorious kidnappers’ gang leader who masterminded the burning of a church and seminarian in Fadan Kamanta, Zonkwa, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna state in September 2023.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Command, ASP Mansir Hassan said the suspected criminal element identified as Yakubu Saidu was arrested at Zango Urban in the same local government area of the state by men of the command on Friday, March 22, 2024.
According to Mansir, “in a commendable display of swift action and dedication to public safety, the Kaduna State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ali Audu Dabigi has successfully apprehended a notorious kidnapper, Yakubu Saidu, also known as Ismail ‘m’ who was involved in banditry, culpable homicide and mischief by fire.
“On September 7, 2023, at approximately 20:30 hours, the officer in charge of Fadan Kamanta, Zonkwa, alerted authorities of a distressing situation at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Kamantan, where suspected kidnappers had launched an attack.
“Despite the urgency of the situation, police operatives, in collaboration with military personnel, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
“Regrettably, the suspects had already set ablaze the priest’s residence before the arrival of the security personnel and despite the valiant efforts, one seminarian, Stephen Naaman, tragically lost his life in the inferno and property worth millions of naira, including a Honda vehicle and a motorcycle, were consumed by the fire.
“Due to diligence and the tireless pursuit of the issue by the police, on the 22nd of March 2024, one Yakubu Saidu, the alleged mastermind and leader of the notorious kidnapping gang, was apprehended and he confessed to his involvement in the heinous crime.
“The Kaduna State Police Command reassures the public of its unwavering resolve to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of all residents.”