Bauchi State police have arrested a 70-year-old man, Hamza Yahaya, over the alleged rape of a 10-year-old girl in Magama Gumau, Toro local government area, the command said Saturday.
The incident was reported on May 15 by the victim’s 40-year-old father, a resident of Magama Gumau, who appeared with his daughter at the police station. The father alleged Yahaya, who lives in the same community, lured the girl to a hideout and sexually assaulted her.
Police spokesperson SP Nafiu Habib said detectives attached to the Toro Division mobilised to the scene and arrested the suspect. During interrogation, Yahaya denied the recent allegation but reportedly confessed to sexually assaulting the girl on three prior occasions at the same location.
The victim and suspect were taken to General Hospital, Toro, for medical examination and treatment. Yahaya has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu condemned the alleged act and reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on crimes against children. He assured the public that the case would be pursued diligently to ensure justice is served.
The Command urged parents, guardians and community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children’s safety and welfare.
