By Ladan Nasidi, Kano
The Kano State Police Command has arrested three suspected masterminds behind the gruesome murder of a housewife and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, Kano, describing the operation as a major breakthrough achieved through intelligence-led policing.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the arrests were made following directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
“Acting on the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, the Kano State Police Command leveraged intelligence-led policing and successfully apprehended three suspected masterminds behind the brutal murder of a housewife and her six children,” Kiyawa stated.
He explained that the suspects were arrested during a carefully coordinated sting operation carried out between 10:00pm on Friday, 17 January 2026, and 4:00am on Saturday, 18 January 2026, under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
The suspects were identified as Umar Auwalu, 23, of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters; Isyaku Yakubu, also known as “Chebe,” 40, of Sagagi Quarters; and Yakubu Abdulaziz, popularly called “Wawo,” 21, of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters, all residents of Kano metropolis.
According to the police, Umar Auwalu, alleged to be the leader of the syndicate and a nephew to the deceased woman, confessed to the crime.
“During interrogation, the prime suspect, Umar Auwalu, confessed to masterminding the attack and admitted that the same syndicate has carried out a series of gruesome killings in recent times,” the spokesperson revealed.
He added that the suspect also confessed to the killing and burning of two housewives in Tudun Yola Quarters, Kano.
Items recovered from the suspects include four clothes stained with blood, two mobile phones belonging to the deceased, a cutlass, a club locally known as gora, and an undisclosed sum of money allegedly stolen from the crime scene.
“Exhibits recovered so far include blood-stained clothes, dangerous weapons, the deceased’s mobile phones, and cash robbed during the attack. Investigation is still ongoing,” Kiyawa said.
The Kano State Police Command commended the officers involved in the operation and expressed gratitude to members of the public for their cooperation.
“We appreciate the prayers, support, encouragement, and cooperation of the good people of Kano State.
The Command remains fully committed to bringing all perpetrators of crime to justice and ensuring the safety of lives and property,” the statement concluded.
The statement was issued on Sunday, 18 January 2026, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Police Command.

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