Police rescue suspected motorcycle thief from mob, recover bike in Niger

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.