The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested two suspects for extorting members of a community under the guise of providing security for them.
The suspects are Lawali Musa, of Jangebe village in Talata Mafara and Jamilu Isah, of Yar dole area in Gusau LGAs respectively.
They reportedly collected N5million from the community to help them deploy security agencies to the area.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Mohammed Shehu, in a statement on Thursday, August 18, said the duo were arrested following a complain from the community.
The statement read; “The arrest of the two (2) suspects was made following a complain received from members of Yar Katsina community in Bungudu LGA against the principal suspect Lawali Musa, who deceitfully extorted the community,” the statement read.
“In the course of investigation, the Principal suspect confessed to have collected the sum of five million naira (N5, 000,000) from the community in the name of assisting them to have security agencies deployed to their community
“On the other hand, the second suspect Jamilu Isah confessed that the sum of eight hundred thousand naira was deposited into his account
“Investigation is in progress with a view to arresting other suspects in connection with the offence, and will be charged to court thereafter to face full wrath of the law so that it will serve as deterrence to others.
“The Command uses this medium to reiterate that deployment of security operatives to villages and communities is purely free of charge”
It called “on all and sundry not to allow any person or group of person to decieve them in the name of securing deployment of security operatives to their areas.
” Instead, they should reach out to the Police or any relevant authority regarding the general security of their areas.
“Such person (s) should also be reported to the Police or any security agency for appropriate action.”
