Police officer rapes 12-year-old girl on her way back from school

The Bauchi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into allegations of rape and indecent assault involving a serving police officer and a civilian following a complaint by the father of a 12-year-old girl in Itas/Gadau Local Government Area.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the complaint was lodged on July 22 by Mohammed Saleh, 42, of Itas Gana Village.

According to the report, the complainant alleged that on July 2, at about 4:30 p.m., a serving Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the Itas Divisional Headquarters allegedly lured his 12-year-old daughter with ₦1,000 while she was returning home from Aisam Academy Secondary School.

The officer was alleged to have taken the girl to a drainage dam opposite the Itas/Gadau Local Government Secretariat, where he allegedly raped her.

The complainant further alleged that on July 10, at about 7:00 a.m., another suspect, identified as Babangida Mai Shayi, 50, of Gambo Quarters, Itas Town, allegedly enticed the same girl with ₦200 to his business premises, where he allegedly committed an act of indecent assault.

Police sources said that upon receiving the complaint, detectives visited the relevant locations, while the victim was taken to the General Hospital, Itas, for medical examination.

The civilian suspect has been arrested, while the police officer has been formally queried as part of ongoing disciplinary and criminal investigations.

The command said investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the allegations and ensure that appropriate legal action is taken based on the outcome of the inquiry. (Zagazola)