Tricycle rider drugged, robbed in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has secured the arrest of a suspected member of a gang targeting commercial tricycle riders, also known as Keke Napep.

According to the Commands spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the suspect, Umar Musbahu, from Behind Garka Quarters in Daura LGA, was arrested on May 16, 2024, around 10:25 pm at Barhim Roundabout in Katsina State capital.

He said Musbahu was caught in the act with the help of bystanders while attempting to rob a tricycle rider.

“The syndicates’ modus operandi is to drug their victims by offering them drinks laced with sedatives before robbing them of their tricycles,” Sadiq disclosed.

He however noted that while other members of the gang managed to escape, two additional victims have come forward and identify Musbahu as the culprit responsible for stealing their tricycles, valued at N1.6 million and N2.25 million, respectively.

Musbahu confessed to the crime during interrogation and named two accomplices: Abdulrahman from Jibia and Dan Hajiya from Katsina State.

These individuals are currently at large, and the police are actively searching for them, the PPRO said.

The Katsina State Police Commissioner, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa commended the public’s assistance in apprehending Musbahu and urged continued vigilance.

He assured the public that an investigation was ongoing and efforts to capture the remaining suspects were being intensified.