Police in Bauchi State have identified no fewer than 35 women allegedly linked to the criminal activities of a 53-year-old man accused of disguising himself as a commercial motorcycle rider to kidnap, rob and, in some cases, rape passengers.
The suspect, Gambo Hassan, also known as “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.
According to the Bauchi State Police Command, Hassan allegedly operated as an Okada rider, particularly during the evening, using the disguise to target unsuspecting passengers, especially women.
Police said he was arrested while riding a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number BAU 150G, wearing a black face mask and face cap. A sharp knife was also allegedly recovered from him.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, said investigators initially identified 15 women allegedly connected to the suspect before the number rose to 35 as the investigation progressed.
The suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation and assisted detectives in identifying some of the women believed to have fallen victim to his activities.
A subsequent search of his residence, conducted with a warrant, reportedly led to the recovery of several items suspected to be proceeds of crime, including 15 mobile phones, six ladies’ wristwatches, women’s wrappers and hijabs, three power banks, and ₦425,435 in cash.
Kenyan and Turkish currency notes were also reportedly recovered.
The suspect and the exhibits have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the officers involved and urged anyone who may have been a victim of the suspect to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation.
The police said the investigation remains ongoing.
