Protests: Police arrest 326 suspected looters in Kano

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The police in Kano have disclosed the arrest of 326 persons for allegedly looting various properties during the commencement of protests against hunger and economic hardships in the state.
The Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the command’s premises on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba,in Kano on Friday.
Kiyawa said: “In the aftermath of 1st August 2024 Nationwide protests, a total of 326 suspects were arrested with a large quantity of exhibits recovered. All the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution.
“The Command wishes to address and clarify the recent deliberate false and mischievous news circulating on social media platforms concerning the photos of suspects and exhibits involved in the destruction and looting of public and private properties under the guise of the planned #End Bad Governance Nationwide Protest.
“Contrary to the misleading unverified social media reports, some of the images were posted sometimes in 2011, and are false and baseless. These despicable acts are calculated attempts by enemies of peace to tarnish the reputable image of the Nigeria Police.
“Interestingly, the suspects in the alleged looting and vandalizing who were arrested and paraded by the Police Command on 01/08/2024 are here before the press today, 02/08/2024 for clarity.
“On this note, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Police Command, CP Salman Dogo Garba directed the Anti-Cyber Crime Unit of the Command to launch an investigation with a view to arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators of this ungodly act capable of instigating the public against the Police.”
He adds: “The CP further warns against meddling of fake news and hate speeches which are capable of inciting violence and affecting the overall security situation in the State.
“The CP commended the Kano State Government for its prompt intervention by imposing a 24-hour curfew on the state.
“In addition, the CP calls on parents, guardians and the law-abiding people of the State who saw their wards with looted properties to voluntarily return same to the nearest police station.”