The Nigeria Police Force ,Niger State Command has arrested several suspects over alleged cases of sexual offences involving minors, rape, and destruction of political campaign materials in different parts of the state.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, operatives attached to Bosso Division arrested a 37-year-old suspect, Isah Usman, over allegations of engaging in unlawful sexual acts involving minors in the Angwan Biri area of Minna.
Police said the suspect allegedly lured boys aged between 13 and 15 years with money and honey after threatening them into silence. The victims were reportedly taken to the Police Clinic in Minna for medical examination, while the suspect was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
In a related development, the Command said another suspect, Yusuf Shehu, aged 16, was arrested by operatives of GRA Division following allegations of unlawful sexual acts involving a 14-year-old boy in Tayi village. The police disclosed that investigations were ongoing to identify other possible victims and accomplices connected to the case.
The Command advised parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children and wards to protect them from abuse and exploitation.
In another incident, police operatives arrested a 37-year-old suspect, Zailani Suleiman, over alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl in Paiko area of the state.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly lured the victim and gave her an unknown substance that rendered her unconscious before allegedly assaulting her. The victim was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, while the suspect was transferred to the SCID for further investigation and prosecution.
Meanwhile, the police also confirmed the arrest of two suspects, identified as Ismaila Gwada and Abubakar Mohammed, for allegedly vandalising and removing a political party’s campaign billboard at Imrat Junction in Bosso area.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended by members of the Police Operation Flush patrol team during routine patrol. Police said the suspects confessed that they intended to take the campaign banner home.
The Niger State Police Command warned residents against acts capable of triggering political violence during the ongoing electioneering period, stressed that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
