By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a man identified as Zayyanu Halilu for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl inside a vehicle at Airport Bridge Taxi Park in Abuja.
The girl was reportedly found to be about three months pregnant after the alleged abuse, while the suspect remains in police custody.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to the police, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were on 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 noticed that the vehicle was shaking and approached it to investigate. They then opened the vehicle and allegedly found Halilu sexually abusing 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 immediately arrested, while the girl was rescued by the officers.
The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had allegedly taken advantage of the victim on several previous occasions at the same location.
“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 revealed that the victim was approximately 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, urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the whereabouts and welfare of children under their care.
The command also advised residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
