Police in Bauchi State have arrested 70-year-old Usman Abubakar for allegedly defiling an eight-year-old girl in the Tsakanin Bayara area of Bauchi metropolis. The suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Incident Reported by Victim's Father
The girl's 48-year-old father reported the incident at the 'E' Division Police Station in Yelwa on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. According to the Bauchi State Police Command, the father told officers that the alleged assault occurred two days earlier, on Sunday, August 24, at about 11 a.m.
Police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, issued a statement detailing the complaint. The statement read in part: "The case was reported at 'E' Division Yelwa on Wednesday, 26th August, 2026 at about 1130hrs, by a 48-year-old father, of Tsakanin Bayara. He stated that on Sunday, 24th August, 2026 at about 1100hrs, one Usman Abubakar, a 70-year-old man, of the same address, allegedly lured his 8-year-old daughter to an uncompleted building in the area where he had unlawful carnal knowledge of her."
Police Response and Medical Care
Following the complaint, officers moved quickly and arrested the suspect. During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to the offence, according to police reports. The victim was taken to the Police Clinic, where medical personnel conducted an examination and provided necessary treatment as part of the investigation.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged crime and assured residents that the command would handle the matter thoroughly. He directed investigators to ensure the suspect is charged to court once investigations are concluded.
Case Transferred for Prosecution
The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for further investigation and possible prosecution. The police also used the opportunity to remind parents and guardians to keep a close watch on children and report any suspicious behaviour around their communities.
Sexual offences involving minors remain serious criminal offences in Nigeria under the Child Rights Act and other relevant laws, with offenders facing lengthy prison terms if convicted. The incident has sparked outrage among residents of the Tsakanin Bayara area, and authorities are continuing their investigation.
