The Niger State Police Command has rescued a suspected motorcycle thief from a mob in Bida and recovered a Bajaj motorcycle allegedly targeted for theft.
The suspect, Mustapha Suleiman, was reportedly rescued at about 9:30 p.m. on October 15 after residents attempted to lynch him over the alleged theft.
The police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
According to the statement, the police received information about the alleged theft and immediately mobilised officers from the B Division in Bida to the scene, where they rescued Suleiman, a resident of the Takowasa area.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly told investigators that an accomplice, identified as Aliyu Mohammed Baba-Ndachiko of the Darachita area, had taken him on a motorcycle to Masaba earlier that evening.
He reportedly explained that his accomplice pointed out a motorcycle parked in front of a shop, which they allegedly intended to steal.
Suleiman stated that he attempted to start the motorcycle but discovered that it had no fuel. His attempt to move it towards the Lan-Nzu River reportedly aroused suspicion, prompting residents to raise the alarm.
The police recovered the motorcycle, with registration number MNA 66 US, and subsequently charged Suleiman before a court.
Abiodun said efforts were ongoing to arrest the alleged accomplice, who remained at large.
Police rescue suspected motorcycle thief from mob, recover bike in Niger