Rita Odafe
Suspected Bandit Confesses to Misusing Ransom Funds
Abdulrahman Adamu, a suspected criminal apprehended by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, admitted to spending his portion of ransom money on alcohol and women.
The police showcased Adamu as one of eight suspects presented by FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Tunji Disu, on Monday, October 21, 2024.
According to Disu, the other suspects include Abdulrahman Giwa, Baba Hassan, Mohammed Dahiru, Abubakar Bature (also known as Dayi), Abubakar Kadiri (alias Dare), Kabiru Ibrahim, Ya’u Adamu, and Hussani Ori, commonly referred to as Mugu. They have been implicated in criminal activities across the FCT, Kaduna, and Niger states.
Disu further noted that the gang’s leader, referred to only as Mallam, was killed in a confrontation with police.
“All suspects are part of a kidnapping and banditry faction led by one Mallam, whose surname remains unknown and is now deceased. During a police operation targeting the kidnappers’ bases in Kweri and Gauraka Forests, Mallam and eight accomplices were eliminated following a fierce gun battle. Regrettably, two operatives from the FCT Command are hospitalized with serious injuries,” he explained.
The police chief revealed that the gang kept their captives at several sites, including Gidan Dogo Forest in Kaduna, Gauraka Forest in Niger, and both Kweri and Kachia forests in Kaduna.
A range of items was confiscated from the group, including three AK-47 rifles, 100 rounds of live ammunition, and ten AK-47 magazines.
Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend any remaining gang members and seize additional weapons.
In an interview, Adamu disclosed that he earned significant sums from their kidnapping endeavors, citing a recent gain of N600,000 prior to his detainment.
“I joined the gang through a friend who is now deceased. We primarily kidnapped individuals for financial gain. The killings I was accused of stemmed from directives given by my boss, who has also passed away. I made considerable money from these activities. During the last operation before our capture, I earned over N600,000,” he stated.
When probed about his spending habits, he revealed, “I used the money on drinking and women. I spent it on partying and womanizing.”
