The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested a man suspected of being involved in livestock theft after he was allegedly found with a stolen goat at a market in Gidan Madi, Tangaza Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect was reportedly arrested after the owner of the goat identified the animal as one of those allegedly stolen from the community.

Suspect Allegedly Linked to September 15 Theft

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto State Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the arrest in a telephone interview with PUNCH on Thursday.

According to Rufai, the goat’s owner not only identified the animal but also recognised the suspect as one of the individuals allegedly involved in the livestock theft.

The police spokesperson said the suspect and his alleged accomplices had gone to Jurelku, a village in Gidan Madi, on September 15, where they allegedly stole animals belonging to residents.

Rufai said the suspect was later arrested at a market while in possession of one of the goats.

“The suspect was arrested at the market with a goat. The owner identified the goat and also identified the suspect and his colleagues who came to Jurelku, one of the villages in Gidan Madi, where they took away his animals,” Rufai said.

Police Seek Other Members of Group

The police said the suspect was currently in custody and was providing information that could assist investigators in tracking down other members of the group allegedly involved in the livestock theft.

Rufai said the arrest had provided investigators with useful leads as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify other suspects.

“The suspect is currently in custody and he is giving us full information,” the police spokesman said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The suspect has not been convicted of any offence, and the allegations against him are subject to further investigation and due legal process.