The Nigeria Police Force in Bauchi State has arrested a 60-year-old man, Musa Garba, over the alleged defilement of a nine-year-old girl in Magama Gumau, Toro Local Government Area, in a case that has again raised concerns over rising incidents of child sexual abuse across northern Nigeria.
The arrest was confirmed on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, CSP Nafiu Habib, who disclosed that the complaint was lodged at the Toro Divisional Police Headquarters by the victim’s father on May 8.
According to the police, the father alleged that the suspect lured the child into a secluded hideout on May 7 at about 4 p.m. before allegedly assaulting her.
Habib said detectives attached to the division moved swiftly after receiving the complaint and arrested the suspect.
“The father of the victim reported that his daughter was lured into a hideout on 7th May 2026 at about 1600hrs by one Musa Garba, also of the same address,” the police spokesperson stated.
Investigators said the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation and admitted to committing similar acts against the child on previous occasions at different locations.
Police authorities added that both the victim and the suspect were taken to General Hospital, Toro, for medical examination and treatment as part of ongoing investigations.
The command also revealed that the minor later mentioned another suspect identified only as Nafi’u, whose full identity has yet to be confirmed, alleging that he was involved in a separate incident concerning her. Police said the second suspect is currently on the run while efforts are underway to track him down.
Habib disclosed that the matter has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the incident, describing crimes against children as unacceptable and assuring residents that the command would pursue justice diligently.
He reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving minors.
“The Command assures the public that justice will be pursued diligently and in line with due process,” the statement added.
The latest incident comes amid increasing reports of child abuse and sexual violence cases in Bauchi and other parts of the country.
Earlier this year, the Bauchi Police Command arrested multiple suspects in separate child abuse cases involving minors in Toro and Alkaleri local government areas.
In January, police arrested a 20-year-old suspect accused of sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl in Alkaleri, while two teenagers were also apprehended in Toro over alleged repeated abuse involving several minors.
The renewed attention on child protection has also followed a separate incident in Rivers State where operatives attached to the Special Area Rumudomaya Police Division arrested a man identified simply as Mr Goodnews for allegedly defiling his neighbour’s 16-year-old daughter after reportedly luring her into his apartment under the pretext of sending her on an errand.
Child rights advocates have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of laws protecting minors, faster prosecution of offenders and stronger community-based reporting systems to curb the growing trend of sexual violence against children.
The incidents have also intensified public pressure on law enforcement agencies and state governments to strengthen awareness campaigns in schools and communities, especially in rural areas where many abuse cases often go unreported.
As investigations continue, police authorities in Bauchi said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and ensure all those connected to the case are brought to justice.
