‘Fake Okada’ Rider: 35 Women Allegedly Kidnapped in Bauchi

From Paul Orude Bauchi

No fewer than 35 women have been identified as alleged victims of a 53-year-old man accused of posing as a commercial motorcycle rider to kidnap, rob and, in some cases, rape unsuspecting passengers in Bauchi metropolis.

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

The Bauchi State Police Command said the suspect allegedly disguised himself as a commercial motorcycle, popularly known as “Okada,” particularly during evening hours, to target unsuspecting passengers, especially women.

According to the command, Hassan was arrested while riding a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number BAU 150G and wearing a black face mask and face cap.

A sharp knife was allegedly found in his possession at the time of his arrest.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said preliminary investigation initially led detectives to identify 15 women allegedly linked to the suspect’s criminal activities.

He said the number subsequently rose to 35 women as investigation progressed.

The police alleged that the suspect used the commercial motorcycle disguise to lure passengers before allegedly kidnapping and robbing them and, in some cases, raping them.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to the offences and subsequently assisted detectives in identifying some of the women believed to have fallen victim to his activities.

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

The items included 15 assorted mobile phones, comprising a Samsung Galaxy Fold, Redmi, two iTel phones, two iPhones, four Infinix phones and two Tecno phones.

Also recovered were 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 in cash, as well as Kenyan and Turkish currency notes and other items.

The suspect and the recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for discreet investigation and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), commended the detectives for their vigilance and professionalism.

He assured residents that the command remained committed to tackling criminal activities in the state and urged members of the public, particularly anyone who may have been a victim of the suspect, to come forward with useful information to assist the investigation.

The police said investigation into the case is ongoing.