Police in Bauchi State have arrested a 20-year-old man, Isiyaku Usman, over the alleged defilement of a seven-year-old girl and theft of two mobile phones in Darazo Local Government Area.
The suspect was arrested after the victim’s 37-year-old father reported the incident to the police, according to the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib.
Mr Habib said the girl was allegedly lured into an uncompleted building while carrying two Android phones before the suspect allegedly stole the devices and sexually assaulted her.
“On the same date at about 0800hrs, the victim was on her way to a neighbouring house with two Android phones,” Mr Habib said.
He said detectives moved swiftly after receiving the complaint and arrested the suspect in possession of the stolen phones.
The police said the victim and suspect were taken to Darazo General Hospital for medical examination, while their statements were also obtained.
According to Mr Habib, the suspect confessed to the offences and remains in police custody as investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged incident and ordered the case to be transferred to the Gender Laboratory of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The police said the suspect would be charged in court after the investigation is completed.
Mr Habib said the command maintained zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence and urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the safety of children.
He added that the police would ensure that justice was served.
