Four suspects arrested after alleged abduction and gang‑rape of 12‑year‑old in Bauchi’s Sakwa District

According to a statement issued by the Bauchi State Police Command on 1 November, four individuals were detained for their suspected involvement in the kidnapping and collective sexual assault of a 12-year-old female in Sakwa District, located within Zaki Local Government Area. The police said the victim’s 50‑year‑old father lodged a complaint at the Sakwa Divisional Police Headquarters on Thursday, prompting the swift apprehension of the suspects.

According to police spokesperson Nafiu Habib, the incident occurred at about 9 a.m. on 28 October 2026 when the four suspects allegedly took the girl to the room of one of them and committed the sexual assault. The named detainees, all hailing from Sakwa District, include 18-year-olds Badamasi Mohammed, Bello Mohammed, and Mustapha Bappah, alongside 22-year-old Bashiru Sha’tubu. Following the arrest, the victim was taken to General Hospital, Zaki, for a medical examination. Preliminary investigations have been concluded and the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Bauchi for a discreet investigation.

Background

The alleged crime took place in Sakwa District, part of Zaki LGA in Bauchi State, an area that has seen several recent reports of sexual and gender‑based violence. The police statement highlighted that the father’s prompt report to the divisional headquarters led to the rapid response by detectives. The SCID, which handles serious crimes such as sexual offences, has taken over the investigation to ensure a thorough and confidential process.

In a separate disclosure, law enforcement officials reported an incident in Buskuri Village, Azare, Katagum LGA, where a 15-year-old male is facing charges of sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl. That incident, reported on 29 October, was similarly handed to SCID, illustrating the command’s broader focus on child protection.

Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu, speaking through the force’s public relations officer, strongly denounced these events and reaffirmed the authority's absolute refusal to tolerate any form of sexual or gender-based violence as well as the mistreatment of minors. He emphasized that the suspects would be investigated diligently and charged in court after the investigation concludes, and urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any abuse promptly.

Why it matters

The arrests underscore the seriousness with which Bauchi State authorities are treating sexual offences against children. The involvement of the SCID signals a commitment to a confidential and specialised investigative process, which is crucial for protecting victims’ privacy and ensuring evidence integrity. The case also highlights the role of community reporting; the father’s immediate complaint enabled law enforcement to act quickly, potentially preventing further harm.

The incident has drawn attention to the prevalence of child sexual abuse in northern Nigeria, prompting calls for stronger protective measures and community awareness. The police’s public statements aim to reassure the public that such crimes will be pursued rigorously, and that perpetrators will face legal consequences.

What happens next

The State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi will conduct a discreet investigation into the allegations, gathering forensic evidence and interviewing witnesses. Upon completion, the case is expected to be forwarded to the courts for prosecution. No specific court dates have been announced, but the police have indicated that the suspects will be charged once the investigation is finalized. The Commissioner of Police has urged continued vigilance from parents and guardians, suggesting that community cooperation remains essential in addressing and preventing further instances of sexual abuse.