Bauchi Police Arrest Five Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse

The suspects, aged between 18 and 44, face investigations over five separate cases involving four girls and a 13-year-old boy, with victims receiving medical and psychosocial support

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested five suspects, aged between 18 and 44, over five separate cases of alleged rape, child defilement and sodomy involving four girls and a 13-year-old boy across Bauchi State, Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu said in a statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026.

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The arrests followed complaints from parents and family members between October 20 and November 5, prompting police investigations across several local government areas.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed that the alleged offences involved children aged between four and 17, with the victims subsequently taken to different hospitals for medical examinations and treatment.

In the first case, Habib said a father reported on November 2 that his eight-year-old daughter had allegedly been sexually assaulted two days earlier at Disina Village in Yana Local Government Area.

Police operatives visited the location, arranged medical attention for the child at General Hospital, Yana, and arrested a 44-year-old suspect identified as Shawilu Liman.

Another case involved a four-year-old girl who was allegedly lured and sexually assaulted at Tudun Gambo in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

Habib said the incident was reported on October 20, following which the child was taken to Tudun Gambo Health Care Centre for medical examination and treatment.

An 18-year-old suspect, identified as Zakariya Auwal, was arrested in connection with the allegation.

The police spokesperson also disclosed that a family reported on November 4 that their six-year-old daughter had allegedly been lured to a farm and sexually assaulted at Gwaram Village in Misau Local Government Area.

The victim was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Misau, for medical examination, while police arrested a 19-year-old suspect identified as Idris Sani.

In another disturbing case, police received a report on November 5 involving a 13-year-old boy at Atawari Village in Gadau District.

According to Habib, the child was allegedly lured into a room and sexually assaulted through unnatural means.

The boy was taken to General Hospital, Azare, for medical examination, while a 40-year-old suspect, Mansur Sha’aibu, from Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State, was arrested.

The fifth case involved a 17-year-old girl who was allegedly raped in a bush at Dangara Village in Toro Local Government Area while tending to cattle.

Habib said the girl’s father reported the incident on November 3, leading to the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect, Michael Soja, from the village.

Both the suspect and the victim were taken to General Hospital, Toro, for medical examination.

The police spokesperson said all five suspects remained in custody and would be charged to court after investigations were concluded.

He added that the victims had received medical attention, while the command was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to provide psychosocial support and protection.

Reacting to the incidents, Commissioner Aliyu condemned the alleged offences, describing them as a betrayal of the trust children place in adults around them.

“No child deserves to live in fear. No parent should be afraid to let their child play, go to school, or help at home,” the commissioner said.

He assured residents that the command would pursue the cases and work towards securing justice for the affected children.

“We will not look away. We will pursue every case, protect every victim, and ensure that perpetrators face the full wrath of the law,” Aliyu added.

The commissioner urged parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders and community representatives to pay closer attention to children’s safety and report suspicious behaviour to the nearest police station.

He also encouraged families to create an environment where children could speak openly about uncomfortable experiences without fear of punishment or disbelief.

“Early reporting saves lives and preserves evidence,” he said.

The latest arrests come amid continuing concerns about child protection and sexual violence in Bauchi State.

In October 2026, the police command announced the arrest of five suspects in two separate cases involving the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in Zaki Local Government Area and a 10-year-old girl in Katagum Local Government Area.

Four suspects, aged between 18 and 22, were arrested over the alleged assault of the 12-year-old, while a 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the case involving the younger girl.

The police said the victims were taken to hospitals for medical examinations, while the cases were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Bauchi State has also taken steps to strengthen its legal and institutional response to violence against children.

The state government enacted the Child Protection Law in 2023, providing a legal framework for safeguarding children’s rights and welfare.

The government has also promoted community-level child protection structures and interventions through its Ministry of Women Affairs.

In September 2026, the Bauchi State High Court introduced designated family courts to handle matters relating to children’s rights, including adoption, fostering, custody and emergency protection.

Chief Magistrate Amina Garuba explained that the courts were established under the state’s Child Protection Law, with provisions aimed at protecting children involved in legal proceedings from unnecessary public exposure and discrimination.

The developments underline the importance of combining police investigations and prosecution with medical care, confidentiality, psychosocial support and long-term protection for children who experience abuse.

For the five latest cases, the police say investigations are continuing, with prosecution expected after their completion. The allegations against the arrested individuals have yet to be determined by a court.

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The command maintained that it would not tolerate sexual and gender-based violence, particularly offences involving children, and urged residents to cooperate with authorities in creating safer homes, schools and communities.