Notorious ‘Shila Boys’ Gang Member Jailed 12 Years for Theft, Extortion in Adamawa

A Chief Magistrate Court in Yola has sentenced a notorious member of the infamous “Shila Boys” gang, Suddais Shuaibu, popularly known as Gafiya, to 12 years in prison without the option of a fine after he pleaded guilty to multiple criminal offences.

Shuaibu was convicted by Chief Magistrate Court II, presided over by Magistrate Zainab Buba, on charges bordering on theft, criminal conspiracy, extortion and receiving stolen property. The court also ordered him to pay N527,000 in compensation to his victims.

For offences contained in the first and second First Information Reports (FIRs), the court handed him two years imprisonment for theft, one year for criminal conspiracy and seven years for extortion. The sentences will run concurrently. He received an additional two-year jail term without the option of a fine over a separate theft charge contained in a third FIR.

The prosecution, led by Inspector Kabiru Abubakar on behalf of the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, told the court that Shuaibu broke into the home of Fatima Magaji on Ajiya Street in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area, on June 10, 2026.

During the burglary, he reportedly stole an Infinix Smart 10 mobile phone valued at N125,000, a Tecno phone worth N30,000, and an MP3 player valued at N3,000.

The court also heard that on June 27, 2026, Shuaibu and other suspected gang members, who are still on the run, attacked Usama Suleiman in Jambutu Ward, Yola North LGA. The gang allegedly robbed him of a Samsung Galaxy smartphone valued at N170,000 and a power bank worth N20,000.

In addition to those incidents, Shuaibu was found guilty of other offences involving theft and receiving stolen property. He pleaded guilty to all the charges when they were read to him, leading to his conviction and sentencing.

Authorities say investigations are continuing to track down other members of the “Shila Boys” gang who allegedly participated in the crimes.