The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old man, Gambo Hassan, popularly known as “Anahaka,” over alleged multiple cases of kidnapping, rape, armed robbery and unlawful possession of offensive weapons within Bauchi metropolis.

The suspect, who lives in Bauchi metropolis, was arrested by operatives of the ‘B’ Division, GRA, Bauchi, during a routine patrol on September 11, 2026, at about 8:45 p.m. along Adamu Jumba Road.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, preliminary investigation indicated that Hassan allegedly disguised himself as a commercial motorcyclist, or “Okada,” rider during evening hours to target unsuspecting passengers, particularly women.

Police said the suspect allegedly disguised to kidnap and rob passengers and, in some cases, sexually assault them.

At the time of his arrest, the suspect was allegedly found riding a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number BAU-150G, while wearing a black face mask and face cap. A sharp knife was also reportedly recovered from him.

The police said that during interrogation, Hassan allegedly confessed to the crimes and subsequently assisted detectives in identifying victims of his alleged criminal activities.

“Fifteen women within Bauchi metropolis were initially identified as victims, while the number of identified victims later rose to 35 women,” the statement said.

Police said further that detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence, where several items believed to be proceeds of crime were recovered. The recovered items included 15 assorted mobile phones, comprising a Samsung Galaxy Fold, Redmi, two itel phones, two iPhones, four Infinix phones and two each of Tecno and other brands.

Police also recovered three power banks, six ladies’ wristwatches, six assorted native caps, five bundles of women’s wrappers, three women’s hijabs and cash amounting to N425,435.

He said that the suspect also kept Kenyan and Turkish currency notes, alongside other items in his house.

The Command said the suspect and all recovered exhibits had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution.