Police arrest man of raping, impregnating 12-year-old in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a man, Zayyanu Halilu, for allegedly sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl inside a vehicle at Airport Bridge Taxi Park in Abuja.

The police said the victim was found to be about three months pregnant following the alleged abuse.

The incident was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

According to the statement, operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit were conducting a routine patrol around the taxi park on October 2 when they noticed a navy blue Volkswagen, with registration number KMC567LQ, parked with its windows wound up.

The officers reportedly became suspicious after noticing that the vehicle was shaking.

The police said they approached the vehicle and opened it, where they allegedly found Halilu sexually assaulting the minor.

“However, the vehicle was shaking. The officers, suspecting foul play, approached the vehicle and opened it, only to see one Zayyanu Halilu raping a twelve (12) year old minor,” the statement said.

The suspect was arrested while the girl was rescued, according to the command.

Preliminary investigations also indicated that the suspect had allegedly lured and sexually abused the girl several times in the same vehicle at the location.

The police said the suspect allegedly threatened to “deal with her” if she disclosed the abuse.

A medical examination subsequently revealed that the victim was approximately three months pregnant, the command said.

“The victim is currently receiving medical care and assessment, while the suspect remains in Police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to the safety, whereabouts and welfare of their children and wards.

He also called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.