How fake ‘Okada’ rider trapped 35 women in Bauchi

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By Christopher Ameh, Bauchi

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BAUCHI — The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old man, Gambo Hassan, alias “Anahaka”, over alleged kidnapping, rape, armed robbery and unlawful possession of an offensive weapon in Bauchi metropolis.

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Hassan, a resident of Igbo Quarters, Bauchi, was arrested on September 11, 2026, at about 8:45 p.m. by operatives of the ‘B’ Division, GRA, during a routine patrol along Adamu Jumba Road.

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The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly disguised himself as a commercial motorcycle operator to target unsuspecting passengers, particularly women, during evening hours.

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According to him, the suspect allegedly used the disguise to kidnap and rob his victims and, in some cases, rape them.

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Habib said Hassan was arrested while riding a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number BAU 150G and wearing a black face mask and face cap.

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A sharp knife was also recovered from him.

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The police spokesman said the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation and initially led detectives to 15 women within Bauchi metropolis who were identified as victims of his alleged criminal activities.

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He said further investigation increased the number of identified victims to 35 women.

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Following the development, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence, where several items suspected to be proceeds of crime were recovered.

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The items included 15 assorted mobile phones, comprising Samsung Galaxy Fold, Redmi, iTel, iPhone, Infinix and Tecno models; three power banks; six ladies’ wristwatches; six assorted native caps; five bundles of women’s wrappers; three women’s hijabs and N425,435 cash.

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The police also recovered Kenyan and Turkish currency notes, among other items.

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Habib said the suspect and the recovered exhibits had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Bauchi, for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution.

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The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism.

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He assured residents that the command remained committed to tackling criminal activities across the state.

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Aliyu urged members of the public, particularly anyone who may have been a victim of the suspect’s alleged activities, to come forward with useful information that could assist the ongoing investigation.

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