The Kebbi State Police Command has apprehended six suspects in connection with the theft of gold ornaments worth over ₦109.5 million in Ka’oje town, Bagudo Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the case stemmed from a complaint lodged on September 4, 2025, at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Birnin Kebbi.
The high-profile case has stirred public interest, not only because of the massive value of the stolen jewellery but also due to the involvement of a serving officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
According to the police, “Investigations revealed that sometime between 2024 and 2025, unknown persons broke into the residence of one Hajiya Rabi of Ka’oje and carted away five gold necklaces, nine bangles, and four rings weighing 782.7 grams. The items belonged to her daughter, Hajiya Amina Hassan Bello, and other siblings.”
Acting on intelligence, operatives arrested Ibrahim Abubakar, a correctional service officer, who confessed to the crime. He reportedly sold the stolen items to buyers identified as Sa’adu Ibrahim Darhami and Hamza Ahmad of Sokoto State, Nasiru Sani of Birnin Kebbi, and Tasi’u Umar of Zauro town, Birnin Kebbi LGA.
Further investigations revealed that Abubakar was assisted by Ibrahim Usman Oroji, who helped dispose of some of the ornaments and collected ₦2.5 million as his share. Another accomplice, Mustapha Hassan, allegedly concealed the proceeds by arranging the purchase of two plots of land in Birnin Kebbi metropolis.
Recovered exhibits include two golden bangles, a Haojue motorcycle, an iPhone 16, a Samsung Galaxy Ultra, and a Samsung Flip phone.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, commended the SCID team for its intelligence-driven approach and assured that efforts were ongoing to apprehend more accomplices and recover the remaining stolen property.
Observers note that the case underscores the sophistication of criminal syndicates involved in stolen jewellery and the need for stronger oversight of security institutions to prevent insider abuse.
“The police must sustain this momentum to send a clear message that crime, no matter who is involved, will not go unpunished,” CP Sani said.
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