A senior police officer has been arrested alongside two other men over the alleged sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl in Chanchaga, Minna.
The suspects, identified as ASP Aliyu Yaro, 49, Ibrahim Danjuma, 56, and Awwal Bala, 40, all reside in the Chanchaga area. Investigators say the men allegedly took advantage of the girl separately, after she approached them to sell fowls and ducks.
According to PUNCH and police sources, the girl first approached Danjuma and Bala, who bought birds from her for N3,500 each. However, both men allegedly demanded sex in exchange for patronising her.
The girl later met ASP Yaro on a similar errand. He reportedly declined to buy her birds but directed her to another buyer. Afterward, he allegedly lured her to an uncompleted building nearby.
Niger State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Hadiza Kuta, confirmed the arrests. She revealed that the girl’s parents approached her ministry after facing obstacles seeking justice. In her words, the parents said “their efforts to seek justice were consistently obstructed.”
Furthermore, Kuta noted that some parties tried shifting focus by accusing the girl of theft instead of addressing the abuse claims.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the matter was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna on June 23, 2026. Consequently, all three suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
Abiodun explained that a medical examination has been conducted to verify the girl’s account. Therefore, prosecutors are expected to file charges once the probe concludes.
This child sexual abuse case has reignited conversation around child protection gaps in local communities. In addition, it highlights how vulnerable children can be exploited during everyday trade activities.
The victim is currently receiving support, and authorities have promised transparency as the case proceeds to court.
