The authorities in Kano State have successfully dismantled a phone theft syndicate run by a 19-year-old female leader, resulting in the arrest of five individuals involved in the criminal operation. The syndicate’s leader, Shamsiyya Adamu, was apprehended on December 21, 2024, after reports of stolen mobile phones in Unguwa Uku Quarters. The Kano State Police received multiple reports in the previous year about a young woman stealing phones from homes in the city. The syndicate utilized a tricycle and a cybercriminal to aid in their activities. A special intervention squad set up by the State Commissioner of Police captured the main suspect. The group targeted residential homes, deceiving housewives, stealing phones, and manipulating victims’ bank accounts. Several individuals were arrested, including a tricycle rider, a person responsible for disposing of stolen items, a buyer of stolen phones, and someone involved in hacking bank accounts. Six phones have been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to retrieve more. Thirty complainants, predominantly females, have reported incidents involving Shamsiyya. The police have encouraged anyone with further complaints to reach out to the investigation team.
19-year-old female-led phone theft syndicate busted in Kano
