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 followed successful prosecution of the suspects before the Chief Magistrate Court 2, Yola, according to a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, on Tuesday.
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 for voluntarily causing grievous hurt and extortion.
Aminu was prosecuted by Inspector Ahmed Abubakar after he allegedly attacked Zaraddeen Abdullahi of Bekaji, Jimeta, with a weapon, inflicted injuries on him and forcefully took his mobile phone valued at N80,000.
The convict pleaded guilty to the charges, while the prosecution presented 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 LGA, were each sentenced to five years imprisonment without an option of fine.
The duo were prosecuted by Inspector Adamu Umar for criminal conspiracy and extortion after they allegedly conspired to attack Emmanuel Luka with knives and dispossess him of three mobile phones.
Both defendants pleaded guilty, while a prosecution witness corroborated their pleas before the court.
With the latest judgments, the three convicted Shilla gang members have received a cumulative 18-year prison sentence without an option of fine.
Reacting to the convictions, the Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, Kabir Umar Hassan, commended the police prosecutors, investigators and other officers whose diligence contributed to the successful prosecution of the cases.
Hassan reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain its crackdown on Shilla gangs and other criminal elements accused of terrorising residents through violence, extortion and intimidation.
He also assured residents that the police would continue to work closely with the judiciary and other stakeholders to ensure the diligent investigation and prosecution of arrested offenders.
The Commissioner warned members of criminal gangs, particularly Shilla groups, that there would be no hiding place for criminals in Adamawa State.
The Command further urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons and activities to the police through established communication channels.