From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
A 24-year old Islamic teacher, Ma’aruf Muhammad and 65-year old grandmother, Talle Muhammad, have been arrested by police in Kano state for severe torture and inhuman treatment meted out to eight-year old Almajiri, Muhammad Garba.
According to the spokesman of Kano state Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the severely tortured Muhammad Garba hails from Nguru in Yobe state.
He escaped to Kano state by Train as a result of severe beatings by his teacher, Ma’aruf at “Almajiri School.”
The Police spokesman fruher stated that, “sustained efforts and prolonged follow-up led to the arrest of the “Almajiri School” teacher, Ma’aruf Muhammad, of Garbi Quarters, Nguru LGA, Yobe State at a hideout in Toro LGA, Bauchi State.
“On discreet investigation, the suspect confessed to the crime. He further confessed that he uses a USB Cable wire to beat the victim on several occasions after removing his shirt, that the child was brought to him by the grandmother of the child, one Talle Muhammad, 65 years old.
“She was subsequently arrested, and the father of the victim was also arrested.”
Giving a graphic account of how police got wind of the information, SP Abdullahi Haruna said: “On the 29 March, 2022, a report was received from the Managing Director, Kano State Agency for Evacuation and Repatriation of Beggars that, on 28 March, 2022, one Mallam Usaini Uba, of Kofar Na’isa Quarters, Kano brought to the agency, one Muhammad Garba, aged eight years old, an “Almajiri Boy”, who was found roaming around a culvert, near Kofar Mata Quarters Kano, with scar marks all over his body resulting from suspected torture.
” On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko, fsi raised and instructed a team of detectives led by SP Umar Sa’id Abdullahi to carry out an extensive investigation.
“The team immediately swung into action. The victim was rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital Kano, where he was treated and discharged.”
According to him, “suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation. The Commissioner of Police strongly warns that criminals will have no hiding place in Kano State.
“They are advised to either repent or leave the State completely. He urged residents to continue to pray for the State, the Nation, especially in this holy month of Ramadan, and report incidences to the nearest Police Station, and not to take laws into their hands. Rigorous patrol, raids of criminal hideouts, and black spots will continue throughout the State, as the Command will sustain the ongoing “Operation Puff Adder” that is yielding positive results. “In case of emergencies, the Command can be contacted via; 08032419754, 08123821575, 08076091271, 09029292926, or log into the “NPF Rescue Me” Application available on the Play Store.”
