The Kano State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the kidnapping case of Alhaji Abdullahi Fanka, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Rogo Local Government Area. According to police spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna, two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. The suspects, identified as 25-year-old Shu’aibu Sulaiman, also known as Lemu, and Mansur Usman, were apprehended during an intelligence-driven investigation.
Alhaji Abdullahi Fanka was abducted on September 1, 2026, and spent 68 days in captivity before regaining his freedom unharmed. The police arrested Sulaiman on October 18 at Kwanar Dangora in Kiru Local Government Area. He allegedly confessed to the crime and provided information that helped investigators track down other members of the gang. The police also recovered an AK-47 rifle and 18 rounds of live ammunition during the operation.
Mansur Usman, who hails from Nassarawa Local Government Area, was described as the syndicate’s driver, allegedly responsible for transporting abducted victims between hideouts in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states. The police said both suspects remained in custody as investigations continued, adding that efforts were underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
The Kano State Police Command described the operation as a major breakthrough against kidnapping and armed robbery in the state. The command said the suspects would be charged in court after the investigation. The police spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna, announced the arrests in a statement on Monday, confirming that the suspects were being held in custody.
The kidnapping of Alhaji Abdullahi Fanka had raised concerns about the security situation in Kano State. The APC chairman's abduction and subsequent release unharmed have been seen as a positive outcome, with the police arresting two key suspects in the case. The investigation is ongoing, with the police working to apprehend other members of the gang.
The recovery of an AK-47 rifle and 18 rounds of live ammunition during the operation highlights the sophistication and potential danger posed by the kidnapping syndicate. The police have urged the public to provide information that could help in the investigation and subsequent prosecution of the suspects.
The arrest of the two suspects marks a significant step forward in the case, with the police committed to ensuring that all those involved in the kidnapping are brought to justice. The case will be closely watched, given the high profile of the victim and the ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and armed robbery in Kano State and beyond.
Key points
- Two suspects, Shu’aibu Sulaiman and Mansur Usman, have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Kano APC Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Fanka.
- The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-driven investigation, and an AK-47 rifle and 18 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
- The police are working to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and will charge the suspects in court after the investigation.
