Abuja police arrest man accused of abusing pregnant 12-year-old

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a man accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl inside a vehicle at Airport Bridge Taxi Park in Abuja, according to a statement issued by police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh. Police identified the suspect as Zayyanu Halilu and said officers from the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit encountered the incident during a routine patrol on October 2. The officers reportedly noticed a navy blue Volkswagen with its windows closed and saw the vehicle shaking.

The statement said the officers approached the vehicle, opened it and found Halilu allegedly abusing the child. The suspect was arrested and the girl was rescued, police said. According to preliminary police findings, Halilu had allegedly lured and abused the victim on several previous occasions in the same vehicle at the location.

Police also alleged that he threatened to deal with her if she disclosed the abuse. A medical examination found that the victim was approximately three months pregnant, the statement said. Police said she was receiving medical care and undergoing assessment.

Halilu remains in police custody and will be charged in court after the investigation is completed, according to the command. FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi urged parents and guardians to monitor the whereabouts, safety and welfare of children in their care. The command also asked members of the public to report suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.