by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Ali Audu Dabigi, says the Command has successfully apprehended a notorious kidnappers’ gang leader, who masterminded Fadan Kamanta inferno, where a seminarian and a church was burnt to ashes, in 2023.
“The kidnapper, Yakubu Saidul, also known as Ismail ‘M’, who was involved in banditry, culpable homicide and mischief by fire, was apprehended on 22nd of March 2024, and has already confessed to the crimes,” according to the statement signed by the Police Command spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, on Saturday.
The release stated that, “On 07 of September 2023, at approximately 2030hrs, 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 mobilized to the scene. Regrettably, the suspects had already set ablaze the priest’s residence before the arrival of the security personnel.
“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, which 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,” it stated.
Why he commends the police operatives for the swift and effective response to the distress call, the CP noted that their dedication and bravery are a testament to their commitment to protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Kaduna State.
The Kaduna State Police Command also reassured the public of its unwavering resolve to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of all residents.