Five suspects arrested in Bauchi over alleged sexual assaults of children

The Bauchi State Police Command announced the arrest of five suspects linked to separate alleged sexual assault cases involving children across the state. The incidents, reported between 20 October and 5 November 2026, involved four female victims aged four to eight and a 13‑year‑old boy. Police Public Relations Officer SP Nafiu Habib confirmed that each suspect has been detained pending investigation and potential court charges.

The first case, reported on 2 November, involved an eight‑year‑old girl from Disina Village in Yana Local Government Area who was allegedly assaulted two days earlier. Police secured the victim’s medical care at General Hospital, Yana, and arrested 44‑year‑old Shawilu Liman. A second case, reported on 20 October, concerned a four‑year‑old girl in Tudun Gambo, Alkaleri LGA, who was allegedly lured and assaulted; the 18‑year‑old suspect Zakariya Auwal was taken into custody after the child received treatment at Tudun Gambo Health Care Centre.

On 4 November, a six‑year‑old girl from Gwaram Village, Misau LGA, was reported to have been lured to a farm and sexually assaulted. The victim was examined at the Federal Medical Centre, Misau, and 19‑year‑old Idris Sani was arrested. The following day, a 13‑year‑old boy from Atawari Village, Gadau District, reported an assault in a room; he was taken to General Hospital, Azare, and 40‑year‑old Mansur Sha’aibu, a resident of Gaya LGA in Kano State, was detained. The final case, reported on 3 November, involved a 17‑year‑old girl in Dangara Village, Toro LGA, who was allegedly raped while tending cattle; 25‑year‑old Michael Soja of the same village was arrested, with both victim and suspect examined at General Hospital, Toro.

Background

The arrests were made under the authority of the Bauchi State Police Command, which has been responding to multiple reports of child sexual abuse across the state’s local government areas. SP Nafiu Habib detailed each incident in a statement released on 6 November, outlining the police response, medical assistance provided, and the ages of both victims and suspects. CP Sani‑Omolori Aliyu, the head of the police force, openly denounced the suspected crimes, characterizing them as malicious, dehumanizing, and a violation of the confidence that minors place in grown‑ups. The police have indicated that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged once the inquiries are complete.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight concerns about child safety in Bauchi State, affecting families in Yana, Alkaleri, Misau, Gadau, and Toro local government areas. The victims, ranging from four to 17 years old, received medical examinations at various health facilities, and the police have pledged psychosocial support and protection for them. The cases have drawn attention from community leaders and child‑rights advocates, emphasizing the need for effective law‑enforcement response and preventive measures against sexual violence against minors.

What happens next

According to the police statement, all five suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. The command plans to forward the cases to the courts after completing the inquiries. The Commissioner of Police has called for continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the victims receive ongoing psychosocial support and that protective measures are strengthened across the state.