Panic engulfed female students of Malikiyya College of Health, Bauchi, in the early hours of Friday after a man allegedly disguised as a police officer sneaked into their hostel and reportedly attempted to rape a student before he was apprehended.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Ahmed Saleh of Kobi Area, Bauchi, was arrested by operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command for alleged impersonation, criminal trespass, attempted rape and theft.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, the suspect allegedly gained access to the female students’ lodge at about 2:30 a.m. wearing a full police camouflage uniform and claiming to be attached to Garu Security Service.
The statement said the incident was reported to the police around 6:30 a.m. through a distress call from the college.
Responding swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division led detectives and patrol officers to the scene, where the suspect was arrested.
“The suspect was promptly arrested at the lodge and the police camouflage uniform worn by him was recovered as an exhibit,” the police spokesman said.
Police investigations later uncovered information linking the suspect to a series of theft cases previously reported around the hostel.
“The suspect is currently in custody and the case is under discreet investigation. Upon conclusion of investigation, he will be charged to court accordingly,” the statement added.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, warned individuals and private security outfits against impersonating security agencies.
He also reassured students and residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in schools across the state.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property within and around all educational institutions in the State,” the commissioner said.
Residents are worried over the safety of students living in off-campus hostels and the ease with which criminals can exploit security uniforms to gain access to vulnerable victims.
