The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man, Isiyaku Usman, for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old girl and stealing two mobile phones in Darazo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, a resident of Kari village in Darazo, was arrested following a complaint lodged by the victim’s 37-year-old father on Sunday.
According to the police, the incident occurred around 8am on Sunday when the girl was reportedly on her way to a neighbouring house, carrying two Tecno A31 Android phones.
The command said Usman allegedly lured the girl into an uncompleted building, where he dispossessed her of the phones and sexually assaulted her.
“Upon receipt of the complaint, detectives swiftly swung into action and arrested the suspect in possession of the stolen phones,” the police said in a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, SP Nafiu Habib, on Monday.
The police added that the victim and suspect were taken to Darazo General Hospital for medical examination, while their statements were also obtained.
According to the statement, the suspect allegedly confessed to the offences and remained in police custody as the investigation continued.
The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, directed that the case be transferred to the Gender Laboratory of the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for discreet investigation.
The command said the suspect would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.
The police condemned the alleged offence and reiterated their zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence.
The command also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the movement and safety of their children, assuring residents that justice would be pursued in the matter.