A young thief known as Gafiya, real name Suddais Shuaibu, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison without the option of paying a fine for his involvement in multiple crimes linked to the notorious “Shila Boys” gang in Adamawa State. The conviction was delivered by Chief Magistrate Court II in Yola, presided over by Magistrate Zainab Buba, following a series of criminal charges including theft, criminal conspiracy, extortion, and receiving stolen property. Shuaibu pleaded guilty to all charges during his arraignment, which was conducted by Inspector Kabiru Abubakar, a police prosecutor acting on behalf of the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police.
The court handed down a total sentence of 12 years, with two years for theft, one year for criminal conspiracy, and seven years for extortion based on the first and second First Information Reports (FIRs). These sentences were ordered to run concurrently. An additional two years without the option of fine was imposed for another theft charge detailed in the third FIR. The judge also ordered Shuaibu to pay N527,000 in compensation to his victims, reflecting the total value of stolen items and damages caused.
According to the prosecution, Shuaibu broke into the home of Fatima Magaji at Ajiya Street, Jimeta, in Yola North Local Government Area on June 10, 2026. During the burglary, he stole an Infinix Smart 10 phone valued at N125,000, a Tecno phone worth N30,000, and an MP3 player priced at N3,000. The prosecutor further stated that on June 27, 2026, Shuaibu and his accomplices attacked Usama Suleiman in Jambutu Ward, Yola North LGA, and stole a Samsung Galaxy phone valued at N170,000 and a power bank worth N20,000. The accomplices remain at large, and the court has not yet issued warrants for their arrest.
Shuaibu’s conviction marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle the “Shila Boys” gang, which has been linked to numerous violent crimes and thefts across Adamawa State. The case highlights the increasing focus on prosecuting juvenile offenders involved in organized crime, even as authorities continue to track down other members of the gang. The sentencing sends a strong message to potential offenders that criminal activities, especially those involving violence and property theft, will be met with strict legal consequences.
This case also underscores the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting of crimes, as the prosecution relied heavily on victim testimonies and police investigations to build a solid case. With Shuaibu now behind bars, authorities hope it will deter others from engaging in similar criminal acts. The verdict is expected to encourage more victims to come forward and assist in bringing other members of the gang to justice.
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