By Law & Society Magazine
Police in Bauchi State have arrested a 28-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting his eight-year-old daughter in Alkaleri Local Government Area, in a case that has sparked renewed outrage over child abuse in Nigeria.
The Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib. According to the police, the case was reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Alkaleri after the child’s ordeal came to light.
Habib said the suspect allegedly lured his biological eight-year-old daughter into a bathroom and subjected her to repeated sexual abuse. Following the report, detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Kadiri Danjuma, immediately visited the scene, ensured the child received medical attention at the General Hospital in Alkaleri, and took the suspect into custody.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the suspect confessed during interrogation, adding that the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a full investigation into the case.
In a separate development, the Imo State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Wisdom Onyeaju, in connection with the alleged defilement of a 15-year-old girl, following widespread public outrage triggered by a viral video on social media.
The video, posted on January 3 by the victim’s sister, alleged that the suspect forcibly entered the girl’s home during the Christmas period, threatened her with a weapon, and assaulted her. The post also accused officers at a police station near the Government House in Owerri of demanding ₦100,000 before agreeing to document the complaint.
Confirming the arrest on Thursday, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said Onyeaju, a native of Umuekweye, Irete, in Owerri West Local Government Area, is currently being investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Okoye also confirmed that police officers accused of misconduct in the handling of the case have been identified and detained. An orderly room trial has been scheduled to commence on Monday, January 12, 2026, in line with established police procedures.
The Imo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability, assuring the public that both the criminal allegations and the claims of police misconduct will be thoroughly addressed.
The two cases, unfolding in different parts of the country, have renewed calls from rights advocates for stronger child protection mechanisms and stricter accountability for offenders and law enforcement personnel alike.
