Police Arrest Six Over N109.5m Gold Theft in Kebbi

Kebbi State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with the theft of gold jewellery worth over N109.5 million in Ka’oje town, Bagudo Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson Nafiu Abubakar confirmed the arrests in a statement on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The investigation began after a complaint was filed at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Birnin Kebbi.

The high-profile case has attracted widespread public attention due to the enormous value of the stolen items and the involvement of a Nigerian Correctional Service officer.

According to the statement, the theft occurred between 2024 and 2025 when unknown individuals entered the home of Hajiya Rabi in Ka’oje and stole five gold necklaces, nine gold bangles, and four gold rings weighing a total of 782.7 grams and valued at N109,578,000. The jewellery belonged to her daughter, Hajiya Amina Hassan Bello, and her siblings.

Detectives arrested Ibrahim Abubakar Ka’oje, a correctional officer, who confessed to the crime. He admitted selling the stolen gold to buyers identified as Sa’adu Ibrahim Darhami and Hamza Ahmad of Sokoto State, along with Nasiru Sani of Birnin Kebbi and Tasi’u Umar of Zauro town.

Investigations also revealed that Ibrahim Usman Oroji helped dispose of some of the stolen items and kept N2.5 million from the proceeds. Another suspect, Mustapha Hassan, and others still at large allegedly assisted in hiding the remaining proceeds by purchasing two plots of land in Birnin Kebbi.

Police have so far recovered two gold bangles, a Haoujeu motorcycle, an iPhone 16, a Samsung Galaxy Ultra, and a Samsung Flip from the suspects. The investigation is ongoing.