Police arrest 20 suspects for rape, armed robbery in Gombe

The Gombe police command says its operatives have arrested 20 suspects linked to various criminal activities in the state.

Buhari Abdullahi, the police spokesperson in Gombe, said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the operatives also recovered several weapons from the suspects.

Abdullahi said operatives arrested a suspect, Maikudi Hassan, for attempting to steal a motorcycle, and Mohd Sirajo and Babangida Mohd, for criminal conspiracy and constituting public nuisance.

“On 09/05/2025 at about 1200 hrs, one Victor Akinkunmi ‘M, 49 years old, of Tumfure, reported at Tumfure Police Station that at about 1130 1130hrs on the same date, he parked his motorcycle in front of his pastor’s house at Gateway Church, Tumfure, and went inside,” the statement reads.

“Shortly after, the above suspect approached the parked motorcycle and attempted to steal it. Prompt response by police detectives led to his arrest at the scene. The motorcycle was recovered intact and is in police custody. Investigation is ongoing.

“On 04/05/2025, at about 0122 hrs, a distress call was received reporting a group of violent youths, suspected to be Kalare gang members, gathering at the Manawachi Area of Akko LGA.”

The police spokesperson added that operatives on May 7 arrested a suspect, identified as Mohammed Sani, for attacking and killing one Muhammadu Saleh with a stick.

He noted that the police also arrested three suspects for robbing one Ibrahim Ahmed of his mobile phone valued at N12,000 and N24,000 in cash and inflicting a deep machete cut on his right hand.

Abdulahi added that other suspects were arrested for cattle rustling, theft, rape, criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.

“On 07/05/2025 at about 0045 hrs, a distress call was received reporting a robbery incident along Bajoga–Potiskum Road,” he said.

“A team of police operatives from Bajoga Division responded swiftly and proceeded to the scene near Bage District. Upon arrival, they discovered a blue Sharon vehicle with Reg. No. NKE 870 XE abandoned by the roadside.

“On 05/05/2025 at about 2300 hrs, a lady (name withheld) of Awai Quarters, Billiri LGA, reported that her 6-year-old daughter (name withheld) was lured into a residence located at Awai Quarters by the suspect above, where he allegedly forcefully had carnal knowledge of the minor.

“Police promptly visited the scene, arrested the suspect, and conveyed both the victim and the suspect to General Hospital Kaltungo for medical examination. Investigation is in progress.”

He urged residents to report any suspicious or criminal activity to the nearest police station, adding that all arrested suspects will be charged in court upon completion of investigations.