Police confirm death of most wanted Kano robbery kingpin

The Kano Police Command has confirmed the death of one of the most wanted phone snatchers in the state and an armed robbery kingpin, Abba Bala, aka Burakita, after arresting him with life-threatening injuries he sustained from in-fighting among gangs.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Haruna Abdullahi Kiyawa, said Burakita of Dorayi Karama Quarters and another gang, led by Halifa, aka Duguja, of Dorayi Gidan Shanu Quarters, Kano, were caught robbing some innocent citizens and destroying their properties, including cars, tricycles and motorcycles.

On receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police mobilised a team of operatives and ordered the cordoning of the areas and the arrest of the suspects.

CSP Kiyawa said: “Consequently, the team swung into action and arrested Abba Bala Burakita, one of the ring leaders who has been on the wanted list of the Command for thuggery-related crimes. The suspect was arrested with life-threatening injuries sustained from a clash with rival Daba groups.”

Two other suspects, Abubakar Idris, 28, and Najibullah Yahaya, 21, both of Dorayi Quarters, Kano, were also arrested. Burakita was rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano, where he died while receiving treatment.

The police spokesperson further said that some criminal hideouts were raided at Wudil and Takai LGAs, leading to the arrest of three alleged drug dealers, Sabo Jafaru, 57; Babangida Sabo, 30, both of Kanyar Ute, Wudil LGA; and Sabo Ali, 50, of Kofar Yamma, Takai LGA, Kano.

“On spot search, 200 pieces of Exol tablets, 12 sachets of tramadol tablets, two sachets of diazepam and six pieces of D-5 were recovered from them. The suspects confessed to the crime and the case is under investigation,” he said.