Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), persistent organic pollutants associated with crude oil exploitation and combustion, remain a growing concern in the Niger-Delta. This observational-case study quantified concentrations in rainwater across seven locations from four communities in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State: Otuoke (control), Otuasega (OTG1, OTG2), Imiringi (IM1, IM2), and Ibeliberi (IB1, IB2), with emphasis on ecological and human health implications. Sixteen priority PAHs (US EPA list) were analyzed using GC–MS. Low–molecular weight PAHs (2–3 rings) were dominant: naphthalene (0.07000 ± 0.08200 mg/L) > phenanthrene (0.03860 ± 0.02212 mg/L) > acenaphthene (0.03000 ± 0.01118 mg/L) > fluorene (0.02430 ± 0.00535 mg/L) > acenaphthylene (0.02190 ± 0.00612 mg/L) > anthracene (0.01290 ± 0.00906 mg/L). Among high–molecular weight PAHs (4–6 rings), dibenz\[a,h]anthracene (0.03930 ± 0.02392 mg/L) was most abundant, whereas others (pyrene, chrysene, indeno\[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, benzo\[g,h,i]perylene) were below detection limits. Toxic equivalent quotient (TEQ) estimates, ranked dibenz\[a,h]anthracene highest (0.0393 mg/L), followed by phenanthrene (0.00386 mg/L), while most congeners occurred at lower values. Mean concentrations exceeded US. EPA permissible limits. Health risk indices (HI, ILCR) posited potential to low level carcinogenic and ecological risks, with significant spatial differences across stations (p ≤ 0.005). Overall, results indicate that atmospheric deposition of PAHs from crude oil exploration and petroleum-related activities contributes to hydrocarbon contamination of rainwater in the region. This baseline study underscores the need for integrated pollution monitoring, strengthened environmental regulation, and community-based interventions to safeguard ecosystem and public health in crude oil producing areas of the Niger Delta.