Bauchi enforces night ban on okada, keke operations

Night-time travel by commercial motorcycles and tricycles has been curtailed in Bauchi, with the police confirming the rollout of fresh enforcement measures aimed at tightening security across the state capital.

The directive, which stems from an executive order by the state government, is already being implemented, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib. He said the restrictions were introduced in response to a spike in criminal incidents often carried out after dark.

He stated, “The measure is expedient to ensure suppression of rising criminal activities under the cover of night, as security concerns continue to spill over in some parts of the state. The restriction on motorcycles commences at 8:00 p.m., while that on tricycles commences at 10:00 p.m.”

The command also pushed back against allegations circulating online, where a man identified as Ishak Abubakar, also known as “Major”, accused officers of assault and rights violations. Habib dismissed the claims as “malicious, mischievous, and baseless,” insisting they were designed to misinform the public and weaken confidence in security operations.

Providing the police account of events, Habib said the incident dated back to 18 April 2026, when personnel of the Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency apprehended suspected violators of the curfew at the Wunti under-flyover and brought them to the ‘A’ Division.

He explained that Abubakar was contacted by those detained and later appeared at the scene, where he allegedly confronted officials, accused them of extortion and verbally attacked them.

“The suspect obstructed lawful duty, caused disturbance of public peace, attempted to incite unrest among motorcyclists and tricyclists, and interfered with the enforcement of the Executive Order,” Habib said.

Police reinforcements were subsequently deployed, leading to his arrest. Authorities further claimed that while in detention, the suspect acted violently, repeatedly hitting parts of his body against the cell structure, an incident said to have been documented in the station diary.

Following investigations, Abubakar was arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court on 20 April 2026 on charges including obstruction, assault and insulting public officers.

The command maintained that the brutality allegations were unfounded and part of a wider attempt to discredit security agencies. It added that a special investigation team had been set up to examine the matter thoroughly and establish the facts in line with professional standards.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, cautioned residents against breaching the order or attacking law enforcement personnel. He stressed that anyone found violating the directive would be prosecuted.

He also appealed to the public to support security efforts by complying with the restrictions and verifying information through official channels, rather than relying on unconfirmed reports.