A man identified as Usman Abubakar of Shuware Ward, Mubi North LGA, in Adamawa, has been arrested for allegedly snatching the mobile phone of a female passerby.
The police command said on Monday that it made the arrest in its sustained fight against Shila Gangsterism, referring to the activities of young criminal elements around the state known as Shila Boys.
Shila Boys are clusters of mostly teenage boys who operate mainly in metropolitan centers like the state capital Yola, Girei, Numan, and Mubi, usually stealing telephones by coercion or stealth.
Regarding the latest incident, the state police command said the arrest of the Mubi suspect followed a complaint received on 23/02/2025 from one Hadiza Atiku of Wuro Harde Ward, Mubi North LGA.
The Command explained in a statement that the complainant said while she was walking around Jambas Hotel, Mubi, the suspect blocked her, stabbed her with scissors, and robbed her of her Infinix WOD 9 handset.
“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the Command attached to Mubi North Divisional Police Headquarters swiftly moved into action, leading to the arrest of the suspect,” the police stated.
The statement, signed by police spokesman Suleiman Nguroje, said the stolen Infinix handset, scissors, and a tricycle used in the commission of the crime had been recovered.
“The suspect is currently in custody aiding investigation,” the statement added.
