Kebbi State Police Command has arrested 11 men in connection with the alleged repeated rape and eventual impregnation of a 13-year-old girl said to be suffering from mental illness. The suspects, all residents of Tungar Giwa village in Shanga Local Government Area, were apprehended following a tip-off from concerned community members.
According to the statement released on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the arrest forms part of the Command’s intensified effort to curb gender-based violence and bring perpetrators to justice.
“The Divisional Police Officer in Shanga, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 11 suspects on 13th July 2025. The suspects are: Ibrahim Bakanike, Danladi Nauyi, Danjuma Meli, Ibrahim Dankura, Ibrahim Isiaka, Masta Maishayi, Bello Muhammad, Danjuma Kodo, Aminu Isah, Zayyanu Isah, and Ahmed Usman — all male and residents of Tungar Giwa village,” the police spokesperson disclosed.
Abubakar explained that the young victim, Sa’ima Dauda, had been wandering the village unsupervised due to her mental condition. This left her vulnerable to abuse from multiple men within the community.
“The suspects took advantage of one Sa’ima Dauda, female, aged 13 years, who walked around the village due to unsound mind. They gave her money ranging from ₦200 to ₦500, lured her repeatedly to various locations, and had sexual intercourse with her. This act led to pregnancy, and she delivered a baby boy on 8th July 2025,” the statement read.
Preliminary investigations have reportedly confirmed that all 11 suspects confessed to their involvement. Two other suspects linked to the case remain at large.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M. Sani, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, to intensify efforts to arrest the remaining two fleeing suspects and ensure diligent investigation,” CSP Abubakar stated.
CP Sani, while condemning the incident, reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance towards all forms of gender-based violence, stressing that justice would be pursued swiftly.
“The Command will not relent in protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that violators of children’s rights face the full weight of the law,” the Commissioner assured.
Meanwhile, human rights advocates have condemned the incident, calling on state authorities to ensure not only justice for the victim but also the provision of long-term support for her and the newborn.
Legal experts note that under the Child Rights Act and Nigerian criminal laws, any sexual act involving a person under 18 particularly one with diminished mental capacity constitutes statutory rape and carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
Gender-based violence remains a critical issue in Nigeria. Data from the National Demographic and Health Survey shows that nearly one in four girls has experienced sexual violence before the age of 18. Activists argue that rural communities remain the most underserved when it comes to enforcement, protection services, and rehabilitation.
Social workers in Kebbi have reportedly taken over the welfare of the girl and her child, while medical and psychological evaluations are underway.
The Police Command is urging members of the public to volunteer any further information that could assist in apprehending the fleeing suspects.
