Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber who attempted to steal the sum of N5m from a parked car in a shopping plaza.
The Command, under the leadership of CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, recorded yet another significant breakthrough with the arrest of the suspect linked to criminal conspiracy, theft, mischief, and possession of a fabricated key.
According to the Command PPRO, SP Nafiu Habib, the Command received a distress call from a Good Samaritan on 14th July 2026 at about 1430hrs.
The caller reported that at about 1400hrs on the same day, a 50-year-old man had visited Fidelity Bank, Ahmadu Bello Way, Bauchi, and withdrawn the sum of ₦5, 000, 000 in cash.
After the transaction, the complainant placed the money in his vehicle and proceeded to HD Plaza, Ahmadu Bello Way, Bauchi, parked, locked his car, and went into the plaza for shopping.
However, upon his return, he observed some individuals using a fabricated key to forcefully open his vehicle; the suspects had already damaged the car door, shattered the side glass, and made away with the ₦5, 000, 000, which they concealed inside a Peugeot 406 vehicle.
Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, the victim was said to have immediately raised an alarm and given chase while calling for assistance, prompting the suspects to abandon their vehicle, along with the stolen money, and flee the scene.
In a swift follow-up operation, operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested Abubakar Mustapha, a male from Tarauni LGA, Kano State, behind Isa Yuguda House, Bauchi. During the operation, detectives recovered the stolen ₦5, 000, 000, the abandoned Peugeot 406, and a fabricated key found in the suspect’s possession.
The Commissioner of Police has directed a discreet and thorough investigation to ensure that all other accomplices are apprehended and that justice is fully served.
The recovered money has since been handed over to the complainant.
The Command commended the vigilance of both the victim and the Good Samaritan, whose timely action was instrumental to the success of the operation.
Sani-Omolori Aliyu further reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and to ensuring that criminal elements have no haven in Bauchi State.
In view of the incident, the Command strongly advised members of the public who intend to withdraw large sums of money to remain security conscious and, where necessary, request a police escort.
