The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two 15-year-old junior secondary school students for their alleged involvement in a robbery at a mobile phone shop in Wunti Market, Bauchi Metropolis.

The incident, reported to the Police by the shop owner on October 1, involved the theft of numerous electronic items, including 100 mobile phones, 75 MP4 players, and various accessories.

A press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakili, indicates that the complaint prompted the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State, CP Auwal Muhammad to order a swift investigation led by the Operation Restore Peace (ORP) unit, under the direction of CSP Kim Albert.

The investigation led to the arrest of suspects, identified as Hamza Sadiq and Adamu Ahmadu, both JSS 3 students at Bakari Dukku Comprehensive Secondary School.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to having managed to obtain the shop key from where it was stored for safekeeping, timed the shop owner’s departure for the village market, and repeatedly opened the shop door to steal from it during the day. The suspects sold the stolen items randomly at lower prices, ranging from N8,000 to N5,000.” 

The police added that “The proceeds of the crime were used to purchase clothes, food, and a smartphone, which was later stolen from one of the suspects as well.”

The police recovered 21 mobile phones, 5 MP4 players, and additional items from the suspects.

Upon completion of the investigation, both individuals will be placed in a remand home for rehabilitation.

The Bauchi State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating crime and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to local authorities