By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested 48-year-old Bala Yusuf for allegedly drugging a commercial driver and stealing his vehicle valued at ₦5 million.
The suspect, a resident of Dutse Local Government Area in Jigawa State, faces charges of criminal conspiracy, assault occasioning grievous hurt, car theft, and attempted culpable homicide.
According to a press statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the incident began on May 8, 2026.
The PPRO said that the incident was reported on 10th May 2026 at about 0630hrs by one Ibrahim Isah, 35 years, of Dutsen Tanshi area, Bauchi.
According to him, the victim, 25-year-old Abdulkadir from Toro LGA, was hired by Yusuf in Abuja to drive him to Jos, Plateau State, for an agreed fee of ₦100,000.
“Upon arriving in Jos, Yusuf persuaded the driver to extend the trip to Bauchi State under the guise of visiting his family”.
“After lodging at a hotel in Bauchi, Bala Yusuf allegedly laced the victim’s food with four tablets of Syridalude, commonly known as “Super Apetite,” causing him to fall asleep within minutes of consumption”.
“The suspect took advantage of the victim’s unconscious state and fled with the vehicle, valued at ₦5,000,000.The victim was later rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he received treatment and was subsequently discharged and is currently recovering at home”.
“Following swift investigative action, detectives attached to ‘D’ Division, Dutsen Tanshi, arrested the suspect and recovered the stolen vehicle in his possession”.
“The suspect is currently in custody, and investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of the crime and identify any possible accomplices”.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling violent and organized crime in the state” he said.
He urged members of the public to exercise caution when engaging in private transport arrangements and to report suspicious activities promptly.
The Command assured that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
