Police arrest ex-convict for armed robbery and hypnotizing victim in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old ex-convict, Jaafar Lawan, for armed robbery.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, said the suspect had previously been arrested and convicted for an attack on a commercial motorcycle rider.

According to the PPRO, Jaafar and an accomplice, Mustapha Adam, attacked the rider with a trailer-wheel spanner on July 27, 2024, causing a serious injury and rendering him unconscious before stealing his motorcycle. 

Investigation revealed that the suspect committed another crime on November 17. 

He hypnotized another Okada rider with a white powder after posing as a passenger and stole his motorcycle. 

The victim regained consciousness in a hospital three days later.

“The suspect was previously arrested for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery on 27/07/2023 when he disguised himself as a passenger and boarded an okada (motorcycle taxi) driven by one Kabiru Muhammadu, a 30-year-old male from the Magaji Quarters area of Bauchi, at the central market heading towards the old airport area,” the statement read.

“Upon reaching the Wikki Oil axis, Jaafar and an accomplice, Mustapha Adam, brought out a trailer-wheel spanner and struck the rider on the head, causing a serious injury and rendering him unconscious. The suspects were subsequently charged and convicted in court.

“However, following a complaint lodged on 17/11/2024, detectives from the Dutsen Tanshi Divisional Police Headquarters swiftly initiated an investigation, revealing that the suspect had committed another crime. 

“According to the victim, the suspect stopped him and requested a ride to the Gidan Kaji area at around 11:00 AM. While en route to the location, the suspect asked the victim to pull over by the roadside. 

“The victim then lost consciousness, allegedly due to a suspected powder applied to him. He later regained consciousness in a hospital three days later.

“The investigation remains active, and the suspect will be charged in court upon its completion.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, psc, Anipr, has mandated the implementation of stringent security measures across the state to ensure a safe and peaceful festive period for all residents.”