The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested Zayyanu Halilu after he was allegedly caught sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl inside a vehicle at Airport Bridge Taxi Park in Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.
The girl was found to be about three months pregnant following the alleged abuse, while Halilu remains in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
The incident came to light on October 2 when operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, while conducting routine patrols around the taxi park, noticed a navy blue Volkswagen with registration number KMC567LQ parked at the location.
According to the police, the vehicle’s windows were wound up and officers became suspicious after noticing that it was shaking.
“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 officers arrested the suspect and rescued the girl, the command said.
Further investigation reportedly showed that the alleged abuse had occurred repeatedly, with the suspect allegedly luring the girl to the same vehicle at the taxi park and threatening her against disclosing what happened.
The police said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had, on several occasions, lured and sexually abused the underaged victim in the said vehicle parked at the same location, with threats to ‘deal with her’ if she reveals the abuse to anyone.”
A medical examination subsequently found that the victim was about three months pregnant.
“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 police said.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, called on parents and guardians to closely monitor the safety, welfare and whereabouts of children in their care.
The command also advised residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.
