As the fight against all forms of crimes and criminality continues, the Niger state police command says it has arrested a 59-year-old blind man, Julius Nyikwa of Keteren-Gwari Minna, for raping a 10-year-old girl of the same compound in his room.
Confirming the incident, the spokesman of the police, Superintendent Wasi’u Abiodun, said on 16 February at about 2pm, a case of rape was received at ‘B’ Division, Minna.
According to Abiodun, the investigation revealed that the suspect’s wife is a sister of the victim’s mother, and they are living in the same compound as family.
It was further revealed that the suspect repeatedly lured the victim into his room and had carnal knowledge of her.
During the last encounter, the victim was seen entering the suspect’s room, and the grandmother raised an alarm, which attracted neighbours, leading to his arrest.
Similarly, on 11 February at about 10am, a 50-year-old suspect, Jafar Mohammed of Sabon-gari Kontagora, was arrested by Police operatives for attempted sexual assault of three young girls ageds 6 and 7 at an uncompleted building located at Dadin-kowa area of Kontagora.
Investigation revealed that the suspect lured the girls, enticing them with candy, and during the attempt, one of the victims raised an alarm, which attracted neighbours, and he was arrested.
According to Abiodun, the suspect was later handed over to the Police and transferred to SCID Minna for further investigation, who has been charged to court and remanded in the Correctional Centre.
Meanwhile, 7 other cases of rape and sexual assault were reported in different local government areas, such as Mokwa, Chanchaga, and Bosso, involving minors between the ages of 3 and 5, with all suspects arrested.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
