Mob beat suspected motorcycle thief to death in Bauchi

An enraged mob reportedly lynched a suspected motorbike snatcher in Magama-Gumau, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The incident was said to have occurred on Sunday, when the young man, whose name is unknown, was spotted loitering near a mosque.

Eyewitnesses told journalists on Monday that the unnamed guy took a motorbike parked nearby before being discovered by the owner, who rang an alarm.

It was said that after abandoning the stolen motorbike and attempting to run, the suspected thief was apprehended by the irate throng.

He was severely beaten with planks and other things before succumbing to his injuries.

By the time the police came, the mob had dispersed, leaving the robber dead on the spot.

His remains were eventually brought to Toro General Hospital's mortuary.

Attempts to reach the Bauchi State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting this story.

SP Ahmed Wakili, the command's spokesman, did not answer texts or phone calls.

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Police Command has arrested one Mustapha Tahiti for attempting to kill his cousin and the cousin's wife by injecting them with an insecticide chemical.

The suspect who is a medical recorder at the Kofar Ran maternity clinic in the state metropolis was arrested by the command's State Intelligence Department (SID).

After his arrest on Wednesday, the suspect confessed to the allegation, adding that he intended to cart away valuables belonging to the couple after killing them.

During investigation, he explained that his cousin allegedly got married to his late brother's wife whom he had expressed his feelings for intending to marry. 

However, things got sour when she refused him and married his cousin, adding he had equally warned her against marrying the cousin.

SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the command's spokesperson who made this known in a statement on Thursday said the state commissioner of police has directed that the suspect be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

The statement partly reads: The State Intelligence Department (SID) attached to Bauchi State Police Command has arrested Mustapha Tahiti 'M' 35 years old, a medical recorder with the Maternity clinic Kofar Ran, Bauchi town.

"The suspect was arrested on 6th March 2024 following credible intelligence available at the disposal of the Department. Acted promptly, the operative picked up the suspect while actively planning to kill his cousin's brother and his wife.

"On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the alleged crime and stated that he filled a syringe with an insecticide chemical he bought which would be forcefully administered to the victims.

"He also said he would cart away their valuables when he killed both his brother and his wife. The syringe filled with insecticide chemicals has been recovered as an exhibit.

"Further discreet investigation uncovered that the suspect had grudges with the victim for marrying his late elder brother's wife, whom he loved dearly and wanted to marry. 

"Unfortunately, the widow does not want to marry him. The suspect in his further confession, said he warned the victim several times not to marry the widow but ignored.

"While commending the effort of the intelligence operatives and their swift proactive action, the Commissioner of Police CP Auwal Musa Mohammed, PSC has directed that the suspect be charged to court upon completion of the discreet investigation. 

"He assured the good people of Bauchi State of his commitment and efforts towards curtailing crime and criminality through a distinct array of measures, including the deployment of more intelligence tentacles in the state."