The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, identified as Saleh Abdullahi, over the alleged sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl in the state.
The suspect was arrested following a complaint concerning the minor, who was reportedly experiencing difficulty walking and urinating after the alleged incident.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, disclosed the arrest on Friday during a briefing with journalists at the command headquarters in Jos, where he highlighted recent operational achievements by the police.
According to the commissioner, the incident occurred on August 19, 2026, after the girl was sent on an errand to grind maize at the residence of the suspect.
Faniyan said the victim later informed her relatives that Abdullahi allegedly lured her into his room, where he sexually assaulted her.
The police commissioner further stated that the suspect allegedly threatened to kill the girl if she revealed the incident to anyone.
The CP explained that the matter came to the attention of the police after a relative noticed that the girl was walking abnormally and experiencing difficulty while urinating.
“Upon inquiry, the minor narrated that on 19th August 2026, while on an errand to grind maize at the residence of one Saleh Abdullahi, male 35 years, the suspect lured her into his room and sexually assaulted her,” Faniyan said.
He added that the girl reportedly told investigators that the suspect warned her against disclosing the alleged assault.
Following the complaint, the victim was taken to a hospital for medical examination, while police officers arrested the suspect and commenced an investigation into the allegation.
The commissioner said the investigation would be concluded before the suspect is taken to court.
“Upon conclusion of our investigation, the suspect will be charged to Court,” he stated.
The case comes amid continued concerns over sexual violence and the protection of children from abuse. Authorities and child protection advocates have repeatedly stressed the importance of promptly reporting suspected abuse and ensuring that victims receive appropriate medical, psychological and legal support.
The Plateau State Police Command also disclosed that it had arrested 31 other suspects in connection with various offences during recent operations across the state.
According to Faniyan, those arrested were linked to offences including kidnapping, human trafficking and rape.
The police also recovered 10 rifles and 54 rounds of live ammunition during the operations.
The commissioner said the arrests and recoveries formed part of ongoing efforts by the command to tackle criminal activities and improve security across Plateau State.
The alleged sexual assault case remains under police investigation. The allegations against Abdullahi have not been determined by a court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty according to law.
