The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 60-year-old man for allegedly defiling a 9-year-old girl in Toro Local Government Area of the state. The incident has sparked outrage, and the command has reiterated its commitment to protecting children from sexual violence.
The command's spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Thursday, 14th May 2026. According to the statement, the case was reported at the Toro Division by the victim's father, a 47-year-old man, on 8th May 2026 at about 0930 hours.
The complainant alleged that his daughter was lured into a hideout and raped by the suspect, identified as Musa Garba, on 7th May 2026 at about 1600 hours. The suspect resides at the same address as the victim.
Detectives attached to the division swiftly arrested the suspect following the complaint. During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the offence. He further admitted to committing similar acts against the victim on several occasions at different locations.
Both the victim and the suspect were taken to the General Hospital, Toro, for medical examination and attention. The results of the examination are expected to be used as evidence in the case.
SP Habib further disclosed that during the course of the investigation, the victim alleged that another suspect, identified only as Nafi'u (surname yet unknown), of the same address, is currently at large in connection with a separate incident involving her. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
The arrested suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for discreet investigation and prosecution. The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+), condemned the act in strong terms and reaffirmed the command's zero-tolerance stance on crimes against children and sexual and gender-based violence.
He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police promptly. The command assures the public that justice will be pursued diligently and in line with due process.
