The Yobe State Police Command has arrested an armed robbery suspect and recovered a stolen commercial tricycle allegedly stolen after its rider was drugged in Potiskum area of the state. The command’s spokesman, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, said in a statement that the incident occurred on July 23 at about 8:30pm when the suspect, who disguised himself as a passenger, allegedly administered a suspected intoxicating substance to the 25-year-old rider.
He said the victim was conveying the suspect to Dubai, Garin Dala, behind Government Girls Science Secondary Technical College (GGSSTC), Potiskum, when he became unconscious.
“The suspect took advantage of the victim’s condition and fled with the tricycle to an unknown destination,” the statement said.
Abdulkarim said the victim was immediately taken to the State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, where he was admitted and is responding to treatment.
He said following the circulation of information and intelligence sharing with neighbouring states, the suspect and the stolen tricycle were intercepted at a security checkpoint in Gaya, Kano State.
He said investigation into the case had commenced and that the suspect would be prosecuted after its conclusion.
The Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, commended the officers involved in the operation and directed that the case be thoroughly investigated to identify and arrest other suspects linked to the crime.
The commissioner also advised commercial tricycle operators, taxi drivers and other transport service providers to remain vigilant while carrying passengers.
He cautioned operators against accepting unusually high transport fares from suspicious passengers or consuming drinks, food, medication or any other consumables offered by strangers while on duty.
The police urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance public safety across the state.