The 45-year-old lawmaker, who is also known as Wakilin Birni, is now the subject of a one-million-naira reward for anyone who provides information that leads to his arrest.
The announcement was contained in the Special Police Gazette Bulletin, which includes Abdullahi's photo and address, and was issued by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba. Abdullahi was elected in 2019 under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and, most recently, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), under which he contested the Bauchi North Senatorial ticket but lost to Senator Lawal Yahaya Gumau.
The bulletin reads that anyone with information that could assist in Abdullahi's arrest should contact 08151849417 or report at any nearby police station. He is wanted in connection with a case of criminal conspiracy, causing grievous hurt, inciting disturbance of public peace, and culpable homicide.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (S.C.I.D) No.1 has details of rewards of one million (1,000,000) naira for his arrest issued by the authority of the Inspector General of Police. Abdullahi's last known address was given as Off Danjuma Goje street, Makama new extension, Jahun ward, Bauchi Local Government, Bauchi State.
On May 16, 2021, Bauchi Emirate Council suspended Abdullahi as the traditional title holder of Wakilin Birnin Bauchi indefinitely. In response, Abdullahi alleged that Governor Bala Mohammed was behind his suspension due to his refusal to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after leaving PRP but returning to APC.
Similarly, on October 4, 2021, Bauchi State Government demolished Abdullahi's house over an alleged violation of government policy on land administration and for being used as a hideout by criminal elements terrorizing residents of neighbouring houses.
The police declaration has fueled speculation that it may be linked to the March 18 gubernatorial election in Bauchi State, given the face-off between Abdullahi and the governor. Additionally, the lawmaker has been associated with the recent clash between supporters of the PDP and APC in Duguri, the governor's hometown, during the APC rally in the area.
The skirmish resulted in one death and 15 injuries. The lawmaker is now a member of the APC gubernatorial campaign council of Air Martial Saddique Baba Abubakar, the APC gubernatorial candidate in the March 18 elections.
As of the time of filing this report, Abdullahi has not commented on being declared wanted. Calls to his two phone lines indicated they were switched off, and he has not responded to messages sent by our correspondent.
The Nigeria Police Force has urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward, and the State Criminal Investigation Department is actively pursuing leads in the case.