How a Fake Okada Rider Allegedly Terrorised Women in Bauchi for Months

Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has identified 35 women as alleged victims of a 53-year-old man accused of disguising himself as a commercial motorcycle operator to kidnap, rob and rape unsuspecting passengers in Bauchi metropolis.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu.

According to the PPRO, the suspect, Gambo Hassan, alias “Anahaka,” was arrested by operatives of the ‘B’ Division, GRA, Bauchi, during a routine patrol along Adamu Jumba Road at about 8:45 p.m. on September 11, 2026.

Habib said the suspect, who resides in Igbo Quarters, Bauchi, allegedly disguised himself as an Okada rider during evening hours to target unsuspecting passengers, particularly women.

He said Hassan was arrested while riding a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number BAU 150G, wearing a black face mask and face cap, and was allegedly found in possession of a sharp knife.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect disguised himself as a commercial motorcycle rider during evening hours to target, kidnap, rob and at times rape unsuspecting passengers, particularly women,” the PPRO said.

Habib added that during interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to the crimes and initially led detectives to identify 15 women as victims of his alleged activities.

He said the number of identified victims subsequently rose to 35 women.

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

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

The police also recovered ₦425,435 cash, Kenyan and Turkish currency notes and other items, according to the statement.

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

The Commissioner of Police commended the detectives for their vigilance and professionalism, assuring residents that the command remained committed to clamping down on criminal elements in the state.

The PPRO said the Commissioner also urged members of the public, particularly those who may have fallen victim to the suspect, to come forward with useful information that could assist the investigation.