The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old Jibrin Iliya in connection with an attempted culpable homicide and theft of a motorcycle.
The suspect’s arrest on 20 July, 2025, followed swift intervention by concerned youths in the Sabon Layi area of the state.
According to a statement on Friday by the spokesperson of the Command, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, police received information regarding two men being confronted by irate youth in Sabon Layi at about 6pm on the mentioned day.
Wakil said detectives were immediately dispatched to the scene and arrested Iliya who now faces charges of attempted culpable homicide and motorcycle theft.
Police preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect and an accomplice conspired to board a commercial motorcycle with malicious intent.
The duo reportedly lured the motorcyclist, 30-year-old Sa’adu Manniru of Kofar Wambai to a predetermined location under the guise of being passengers.
Wakil disclosed that while stopping to collect his fare, Manniru was viciously attacked with an axe by the suspects, who struck him on the head.
Sa’idu’s cries for help attracted nearby residents, who quickly mobilised and pursued the assailants, leading to the arrest of one suspect before police arrived.
Police said the attackers were attempting to flee with the victim’s Bajaj motorcycle, bearing registration number KTG 129 UV.
The police spokesman said during interrogation, Iliya confessed to collaborate with an accomplice identified as Lauwali from Numan local government area of Adamawa State for over three years, targeting commercial motorcycles for theft.
He admitted their involvement in stealing at least three motorcycles from Bauchi and Gombe States, which were later sold to a buyer in Gombe.
Iliya also claimed that he personally received proceeds ranging between N20,000 and N30,000 for each stolen bike.
The PPRO confirmed that the victim is now in stable condition, while investigations continue.
He further announced that the suspect will be profiled and charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
