The Adamawa State Police Command has secured the conviction of three members of the notorious Shilla gang, who were collectively sentenced to 18 years imprisonment without an option of fine for violent attacks and extortion in Yola.
The convictions, according to a statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Nguroje, on Tuesday, follows the successful prosecution of the suspects before the Chief Magistrate Court 2, Yola.
In the first case, Muhammed Aminu, a resident of Anguwan Tana in Yola North Local Government Area, was sentenced to eight years imprisonment without an option of fine.
Aminu was prosecuted for voluntarily causing grievous hurt and extortion.
The police said the convict attacked Zaraddeen Abdullahi of Bekaji, Jimeta, with a weapon, inflicted injuries on him and forcefully took his mobile phone valued at N80,000.
Aminu pleaded guilty to the charges, while the prosecution called additional witnesses and tendered exhibits, which were admitted in evidence by the court.
In a separate case, Abubakar Mohamed and Mohamed Jibrilla, both residents of Shinko in Yola North Local Government Area, were each sentenced to five years imprisonment without an option of fine for criminal conspiracy and extortion.
The duo, prosecuted were accused of conspiring to attack Emmanuel Luka with knives and dispossessing him of three mobile phones.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, with a prosecution witness corroborating their pleas.
The latest convictions bring the cumulative jail term handed down to the three Shilla gang members to 18 years without an option of fine.
Reacting to the development, the state Commissioner of Police, Kabir Hassan, commended the police prosecutors, investigators and other officers whose diligence contributed to the successful convictions.
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The commissioner of police reiterated the command’s determination to sustain its crackdown on Shilla gang members and other criminal elements allegedly terrorising residents through violence, extortion and intimidation.
Hassan assured residents that the command would continue to work closely with the judiciary and other stakeholders to ensure diligent investigation and prosecution of arrested offenders
He warned members of criminal gangs, particularly Shilla groups, that there would be no hiding place for criminals in Adamawa State.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons and activities to the police through established communication channels.
