By HASSAN JIRGI Maiduguri
The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that the command have arrested over 97 suspects for murder and the vandalisation of public property across the state.
The arrests were made during the two-day national protests in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local government area of the state
The Police Commissioner, Yusufu Lawal, disclosed this during the parading of the suspects over the weekend in maiduguri, said 91 units of exhibits, including, bags of fertiliser, seven Russian flags, and several pieces of office furniture, were recovered from the suspects later.
According to him, the police collaborated with other security agencies, proactive measures were also taken to curtail and mitigate the breakdown of law and order.
He added that some of the youths, were took advantage of the national protests to commit nefarious acts of vandalism and treasonable felony.
“Besides vandalising public property, some of the protesters, including underage children, attacked the state’s mechanical workshop and the office complex of the Borno State Traffic Management Agency (BOTMA) along Baga Road,” said Lawal.
According to him also One of the arrested suspects murdered a try-cyclist and buried his body on that fateful night in the metropolis.”
He therefore said other suspects arrested included seven social media influencers for alleged monitoring of cyberspace during the protest over economic hardships in the state.
“The suspected social media influencers called on followers to carry arms and constitute violence across the state.
“They also insulted top government officials and traditional and religious leaders of the state.
He also said some of the arrested suspects broke the glasses of vehicles with the burring of used tires on the major streets of Maiduguri,” he said.
Commissioner said 83 suspects were arrested at various locations within the metropolis for vandalising public and private properties with fire and looting about 91 various items along Baga Road,”
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