A Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrate Court has remanded a taxi driver, Usman Abdullahi, at the Keffi Correctional Centre after he allegedly threatened three female passengers with a knife during a journey from Kubwa Expressway to Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
By A1NEWS International
ABUJA, Nigeria — September 9, 2026
A Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has remanded a taxi driver, Usman Abdullahi, at the Keffi Correctional Centre over an alleged attempt to rob three female passengers at knifepoint.
Abdullahi was arraigned on a one-count charge of attempted robbery and pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.
Chief Magistrate Moriyike Osinbajo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties, according to the court, must be residents within its jurisdiction.
However, Abdullahi was ordered to remain in custody pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.
Alleged Attack Occurred During Night Journey
The prosecution, led by counsel Donatus Abah, told the court that the incident occurred on August 28, 2026, at about 9 p.m.
According to the prosecution, Abdullahi picked up three passengers identified as Rose Gowon, Anthonia Gowon and Mariam Yahaya along the Kubwa Expressway for a journey towards Mararaba in Nasarawa State.
The prosecution alleged that the journey took a dangerous turn after the vehicle passed the Niger Barracks area.
Abah told the court that Abdullahi suddenly parked the vehicle by the roadside, brought out a knife and allegedly threatened the three women.
He was accused of ordering the passengers to cooperate and surrender everything in their possession, while allegedly threatening to kill them if they refused.
Passengers Allegedly Fought Back
The prosecution’s account indicates that the alleged robbery attempt was disrupted when one of the passengers, Anthonia, reportedly grabbed the defendant by the neck.
The other two passengers, Rose and Mariam, were said to have joined the struggle.
The three women allegedly succeeded in overpowering Abdullahi and disarming him.
They subsequently raised an alarm, attracting the attention of people in the vicinity.
Police Responded to Distress Call
The prosecution told the court that officers of the Rapid Response Squad responded to the alarm and rescued the passengers.
Abdullahi was subsequently arrested in connection with the alleged incident.
The prosecution said the alleged offence contravened Section 298 of the Penal Code Law.
The charge remains an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.
Defendant Appears Without Lawyer
Abdullahi appeared before the court without legal representation.
Chief Magistrate Osinbajo asked the defendant why he had no counsel.
In response, Abdullahi reportedly assured the court that he would secure legal representation before the next adjourned date.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until September 18, 2026, for hearing.
Investigative Perspective: Security Risks in Commercial Transportation
The case raises broader concerns about passenger safety in commercial and informal taxi transportation, particularly during nighttime journeys.
Beyond the allegations against the defendant, the incident highlights the vulnerability of passengers who enter vehicles operated by drivers whose identities, backgrounds and vehicle details may not always be adequately verified before a trip begins.
It also underscores the importance of effective passenger identification systems, driver screening, emergency-response mechanisms and the ability of passengers to quickly alert security agencies when journeys become unsafe.
However, these broader concerns should not be interpreted as evidence of widespread criminality among taxi operators. The allegations against Abdullahi remain subject to judicial determination.
The Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrate Court has granted Usman Abdullahi bail of N1 million with two sureties in like sum, but he will remain at the Keffi Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are satisfied.
With the matter adjourned to September 18, the prosecution will have an opportunity to present its case, while the defendant will be entitled to defend himself with the assistance of counsel.
The outcome of the proceedings will ultimately determine whether the allegations of attempted robbery are established beyond the applicable legal standard.
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