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

The suspect. Photo credit: FCT command

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a man, Zayyanu Halilu, after officers allegedly caught him raping a 12-year-old girl inside a tinted vehicle at Airport Bridge Taxi Park, Abuja.

The victim was also found to be about three months pregnant as a result of the alleged abuse, while the suspect is currently in police custody.

This was contained in a statement signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, shared on Saturday.

According to the statement, operatives of the command’s 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 police said the vehicle was shaking, prompting the officers to approach and open it, where they found Halilu allegedly 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 and the girl rescued, according to the police.

Preliminary investigation also revealed that the suspect had allegedly lured and sexually abused the victim several times in the same vehicle at the location.

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.”

The statement added that a medical examination revealed 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, urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and pay close attention to the whereabouts, safety and welfare of their children and wards.

The command also urged members of the public to remain security-conscious and report suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.