The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested multiple suspects in connection with separate cases of sexual abuse involving minors across different communities in the state. The incidents involve children aged three, five, and seventeen, reported within a short period in Yola North, Yola South, and Lamurde Local Government Areas. Police describe the cases as part of a troubling rise in sexual and gender-based violence against children in local communities.
First Case: Assault of a 17-Year-Old Girl in Jimeta Hotel
In the first case, police arrested two suspects, Ibrahim Yahuza and Bashiru, for the alleged assault of a 17-year-old girl in a hotel in Jimeta, Yola North. A third suspect, Aliyu, remains at large. According to statements from the suspects, the girl was brought to the hotel by one of them using a tricycle. They claimed that what started as an attempt to assist with accommodation escalated into sexual activity involving multiple individuals.
Bashiru told Legit.ng: "When I finished with her, Yahuza called me and asked if I would give him the girl too, but I told him to speak with her first and negotiate. After a few minutes, Yahuza and the girl went back into the room. Aliyu was the last person to make use of the girl. The girl reported us to the police command, claiming we cheated her and refused to pay her money. That was how we got arrested." Yahuza added: "When Bashiru finished with the girl, I asked her if she would allow me to have some time with her, but she said I should pay her 5,000 naira, and I accepted." Police have not verified these claims and say investigations are ongoing.
Second Case: Motorcycle Rider Defiles 5-Year-Old Girl
In a separate incident, police arrested 30-year-old motorcycle rider Aliyu Abubakar in Yolde Pate community, Yola South Local Government Area. He is accused of defiling a five-year-old girl who lives in the same neighborhood. Speaking with Legit.ng, the suspect said the child visited his home after being sent on an errand and remained to watch a movie on his phone. He admitted to the offense and expressed regret: "I am married and have a child. She normally comes to my house to play with my child. I sincerely regret my actions and deeply apologize to the parents and the community. It is the devil's handwork." Police confirmed the child is receiving medical care and is under protection.
Third Case: Man Arrested for Abuse of Neighbor's 3-Year-Old Child
In Tingno community, Lamurde Local Government Area, 31-year-old Ahmadu Usman was arrested for allegedly defiling a three-year-old girl who lived nearby. The suspect told Legit.ng: "The girl and her parents are my neighbors, and I always play with them. When I came back from work, I met her playing with friends, and they all ran to welcome me. I carried her to my room. When we entered, I could not explain how I did it. Her cry drew her mother's attention to my house."
Police Response and Appeal to Parents
The state police command described all cases as deeply disturbing, especially those involving very young children. Police spokesperson SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje said the command is committed to ensuring justice and that investigations are ongoing. He appealed to parents: "I am pleading with parents to always be careful and observe the people your children mingle with."
Related Incident: Police Foil N2 Million Kidnap Plot
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Adamawa police arrested four suspects over an alleged N2 million kidnap plot targeting a wealthy relative in Song Local Government Area. Investigations revealed the suspects, mostly farmers, planned to abduct the victim due to his cattle and wealth, with some confessing that envy and greed motivated the scheme.
