The police command in Kebbi says it has arrested Bello Abubakar, 45, for attempted murder and robbery at Tungar Dariya Bush, near Makera in Shanga council area.

Mr Abubakar allegedly attacked a commercial rider and left him with a head injury.

In a statement on Tuesday, Bashir Usman, the command’s spokesman, said the attack was on August 23, when Bello Umar, a rider from Wasagu, was found with head injuries.

The victim was evacuated to Koko General Hospital, where doctors treated and discharged him.

According to the police, the suspect hired the victim’s motorcycle from Koko to Tungar Dariya Bush, where he attacked him with a hoe, covered his body with leaves believing he was dead, and made away with the motorcycle to Yauri.

The police later traced and recovered the stolen motorcycle, which led to the suspect’s arrest.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation and prosecution.

The police commissioner, Umar Hadejia,  described the act as despicable and a direct assault on human life and livelihood.