The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Jibrin Iliya, over an alleged attempt to murder a commercial motorcyclist and steal his motorcycle in Bauchi metropolis.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil, the suspect was apprehended on Saturday, July 20, 2025, following the intervention of vigilant youths in the Sabon Layi area.
Wakil explained that the Police received a distress call at about 6:00 p.m. regarding two men who had been confronted by irate residents for allegedly attacking a commercial motorcyclist.
A team of detectives from the Command was immediately deployed to the scene, leading to the arrest of Iliya, who now faces charges of attempted culpable homicide and theft.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Iliya and his accomplice, identified as Lauwali from Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State, boarded the motorcycle with the intent to rob its rider.
The victim, identified as 30-year-old Sa’adu Manniru of Kofar Wambai, Bauchi, was lured to an isolated location under the guise of dropping off the passengers. When he stopped to collect his fare, the suspects reportedly struck him on the head with an axe in a bid to kill him and flee with the motorcycle.
However, Manniru’s cries for help alerted nearby residents, who quickly intervened and pursued the suspects. The police arrived at the scene while the assailants were attempting to escape with the Bajaj motorcycle, bearing registration number KTG 129 UV.
Under interrogation, Iliya confessed to being part of a motorcycle theft syndicate operating across Bauchi and Gombe States for the past three years. He admitted to stealing at least three motorcycles with Lauwali and selling them to a buyer in Gombe State.
The suspect also disclosed that he had personally earned proceeds of N30,000 and N20,000 from previous thefts.
Police say investigation is ongoing, and upon completion, the suspect will be profiled and formally charged to court.
The Bauchi State Police Command commended the swift response of residents and urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities promptly.
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