Notorious Armed Robbery Kingpin ‘Babanle’ Gunned Down in Abuja

By Towncriernews 

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has mash a deadly armed robbery syndicate, gunning down its kingpin notoriously known as ‘Babanle’.

The feat was achieved during a daring and decisive raid by operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command which brought down one of Abuja’s most feared armed robbery lords — Abdulmininu Bello, infamously known as Babanle.

The notorious gang leader, believed to be behind countless cases of armed robbery and vehicle theft in the capital and environs, met his waterloo in a blazing gun duel with the elite Scorpion Squad on May 15, 2025, as police foiled a planned attack in the Maitama area of the federal capital.

Confirming the incident, FCT Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh disclosed that the gang had been under intense surveillance for months.

“Upon receiving credible intelligence that the syndicate was planning to rob an unsuspecting victim in Maitama, operatives swiftly mobilized and intercepted them. On sighting the officers, the gang opened fire. In the exchange, Abdulmininu Bello a.k.a. Babanle was neutralized,” Adeh revealed.

According to the police spokes person, the syndicate comprised of a gang of shadows: ex-convicts, escaped detainees, and career criminals

She said other members of the criminal enterprise arrested at the scene include:

One Ibrahim Muhammad (22, ex-convict from Kebbi State); Abubakar Abdullahi (22, from Plateau State); Sarajo Yusuf (20, from Plateau State); Isiaka Adamu (ex-convict, from Bauchi State); Abdullahi Isah (18, escaped detainee, Bauchi State); Sanusi Ali (51, Kano State resident); and Abubakar Sani (from Plateau State).

Weapons of war recovered by the Police from the gang, including include a 2004 Toyota Camry LE, a red boxer motorcycle,

two locally made pistols with 10 rounds of live 9mm ammunition, four AK-47 rifles with magazines, 11 rounds of live 7.62 ammunition, and a locally made shotgun

Superintendent Adeh, however disclosed that despite the successful bust, two of the suspects remain at large, including another gang leader, Solomon Bawa a.k.a. Pastor Mogu, who fled the scene with gunshot wounds.

Calling for public vigilance, she said “The FCT Police Command is urging members of the public to report anyone with suspicious injuries, as the fleeing suspects could seek treatment in disguise.

“All arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.”