Adamawa Police Arrest three Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Victims Aged 3, 5 and 17

Adamawa Police Arrest three Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Victims Aged 3, 5 and 17

By Semen Isaiah Lerum – Yola

The Adamawa State Police Command has raised concern over the increasing cases of child defilement and rape involving minors across the state, following the arrest of four suspects linked to three separate incidents reported within a few days.

The cases, which were initially reported at various divisional police offices in Adamawa State before being transferred to the State Headquarters in Jimeta, Yola, have sparked renewed calls for parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and protect them from predators hiding within communities.

Speaking during a briefing, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, said the Command remains committed to fighting gender-based violence and crimes against women and children.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police recently ordered the retraining of selected officers to professionally handle cases involving violence against women and minors.

“The Adamawa State Police Command has been fighting against gender-based violence. That explained the reason why the Commissioner of Police insisted on retraining selected officers that can be handling cases of violence against women and children,” he stated.

SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, PPRO

SP Nguroje disclosed that within two to three days, the Command recorded three disturbing incidents involving minors, leading to the arrest of four suspects.

The first suspect, a 31-year-old driver from Tigno in Lamurde Local Government Area, was arrested over the alleged defilement of a three-year-old child.

According to police findings, the suspect allegedly returned from work and met children playing around his residence. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly told journalists that the children ran toward him to welcome him home. He allegedly carried the child on his lap before the incident occurred. Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly took advantage of the child when she was left vulnerable.

When questioned by police officers, the suspect denied being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Were you under any alcoholic or drug influence when the incident happened?” the Police PPRO asked.

“No. This is my first time. I don’t even know how it happened,” the suspect reportedly replied, while claiming that “the devil” influenced his actions.

In another shocking case, police apprehended a 30-year-old married motorcycle rider from Yolde Pate, Yola South Local Government Area.

Investigators said the victim, believed to be around five years old, had gone to play with the suspect’s child. According to findings, the child was allegedly left alone in the room with the suspect after her elder sister stepped out. Police said the suspect allegedly distracted the child by showing her videos on his phone before giving her something to eat.

The suspect was later accused of allegedly abusing the child. During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted that the child was his neighbour’s daughter. He allegedly described the incident as “a mistake” and pleaded for forgiveness.

In the third incident, a 28-year-old suspect from Yola North was arrested following a complaint from a 17-year-old girl.

Police said the victim alleged that she was deceived and lured into a hotel in Yola with promises of money ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000. According to the police, the suspect allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with the teenager after taking her to the hotel.

The police PPRO explained that because the victim is below 18 years, the incident is legally treated as rape.

“We have seen it as rape considering her age as a minor because she is not up to 18 years,” SP Nguroje explained.

The Police Command said the Commissioner of Police has directed that all the cases be transferred to the Family Support Unit under the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

“The CP directed that the case be transferred to the State CID, particularly the family unit saddled with the responsibility of handling such cases,” the PPRO said.

He added that investigators have been instructed to gather both human and material evidence to ensure diligent prosecution of the suspects in court.

The Command also called on parents and guardians to stop leaving children unattended or allowing them to move freely with unfamiliar persons.

“It’s not everybody you see around you that you trust. It’s not everybody you allow your children to mingle with,” SP Nguroje warned.

He further cautioned parents against allowing children to be easily influenced by gifts, sweets, money, or exposure to inappropriate materials through phones and videos.

“Parents should always monitor their wards closely and quickly report suspicious behaviour or movements to security agencies,” he added.

The Adamawa State Police Command reassured residents that justice would be pursued in all the cases as investigations continue.