Ex-Bauchi Deputy Rector Faces Police Probe Over Assault

The invitation followed a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police by Baushe Chambers, solicitors to Nuhu Nazif Muhammad, a graduate of the Department of Mass Communication and former President of the Mass Communication Students Association (MACOSA).

The Bauchi State Police Command has summoned the former Deputy Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Dr. Dalhatu Sa'idu Abubakar, for questioning over allegations of assault, criminal intimidation, unlawful seizure of a mobile phone, and threats against a former student of the institution.

The invitation followed a petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police by Baushe Chambers, solicitors to Nuhu Nazif Muhammad, a graduate of the Department of Mass Communication and former President of the Mass Communication Students Association (MACOSA).

The case has been assigned to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Bauchi State Police Headquarters, where investigators have commenced inquiries into the allegations.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the VCRU has adopted Muhammad's statement and is probing claims that the former deputy rector physically assaulted him, confiscated his mobile phone, and issued threats during an encounter at the institution.

According to the sources, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) contacted Abubakar after reviewing the petition. The former deputy rector reportedly informed the officer that he was out of town but was subsequently directed to appear before the VCRU at the Bauchi State Police Headquarters on Monday, July 27, 2026, for interrogation.

Muhammad and his legal representatives are also expected to be present during the proceedings.

The police investigation stems from a dispute over the release of Muhammad's academic records after completing his Higher National Diploma (HND) programme in Mass Communication in 2025.

In a petition dated July 9, 2026, Baushe Chambers alleged that repeated efforts by their client to obtain his HND result were unsuccessful despite graduating. The lawyers said the delay jeopardised Muhammad's application for an international scholarship to pursue a master's degree in Mass Communication and Advocacy.

According to the petition, Muhammad contacted Abubakar via text message on January 5, 2026, seeking assistance. The former deputy rector allegedly invited him to his office, where the meeting reportedly ended in assault, intimidation and threats, leading to the criminal complaint.

Separately, the law firm has petitioned the management of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, challenging what it described as Muhammad's unlawful dismissal from the institution.

The solicitors alleged that instead of receiving his HND result and certificate after graduation, Muhammad was issued an expulsion letter when he visited the institution to collect his academic documents needed for his scholarship application.

They argued that the dismissal violated the principles of fair hearing, maintaining that Muhammad was neither informed of the allegations against him nor given an opportunity to defend himself before disciplinary action was taken.

The lawyers have urged the institution to investigate the circumstances surrounding the expulsion and the withholding of Muhammad's academic records, while the police continue their criminal investigation into the allegations against the former deputy rector.