Bauchi Police Uncover Disturbing Trail as ‘Okada Rider’ Is Linked to 35 Women

“He Looked Like an Okada Rider”: Police Link Bauchi Man to 35 Women

For some women in Bauchi, what looked like an ordinary motorcycle ride allegedly became a journey into danger.

A 53-year-old man, Gambo Hassan, also known as “Anahaka”, has been arrested by the Bauchi State Police Command over allegations of kidnapping, robbery and rape involving women he allegedly targeted while posing as a commercial motorcycle rider.

Police said the number of women linked to the investigation has risen to 35.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Hassan was arrested during a routine patrol along Adamu Jumba Road in Bauchi at about 8:45pm on September 11.

According to the police, officers became suspicious of the man while he was riding a Bajaj motorcycle. He was allegedly wearing a black face mask and face cap, while a knife was recovered from him.

The investigation subsequently opened a much wider case. Police initially linked the suspect to 15 women, but further investigation increased the number to 35, according to the command.

Authorities allege that Hassan used the appearance of an Okada rider to gain the trust of women before taking them to isolated locations.

A search of his residence reportedly yielded mobile phones, women’s wrappers, hijabs, wristwatches, cash and foreign currencies.

The police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding each alleged incident and attempting to identify other possible victims.

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The case is disturbing not only because of the number of women involved in the investigation, but because of the alleged method used.

A commercial motorcycle is an ordinary part of daily transportation for many Nigerians. Police allege that the suspect used that familiarity as cover.

However, the allegations have not been established by a court.

The responsibility of the police is to investigate, gather evidence and present any sustainable case before the appropriate court.

The responsibility of the court is to determine guilt or innocence.

Public anger cannot replace evidence, and suspicion cannot replace conviction.

As the investigation continues, justice will depend on due process, credible evidence and the rule of law, not self-help, ValidViewNetwork reports.