Police in Kebbi State have detained eleven men accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl with mental disabilities, resulting in her pregnancy and subsequent childbirth.
The arrests were made in Tungar Giwa village within Shanga Local Government Area following intelligence reports about the systematic abuse of the vulnerable teenager. State Police Command spokesperson CSP Nafiu Abubakar confirmed the developments in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to police investigations, the suspects allegedly exploited the victim’s mental condition by offering her small amounts of money between N200 and N500 before sexually assaulting her at various locations throughout the village. The abuse continued over an extended period, ultimately leading to her pregnancy.
The victim, identified as Sa’ima Dauda, gave birth to a baby boy on July 8, 2025, which prompted authorities to launch their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy.
The eleven arrested suspects have been named as Ibrahim Bakanike, Danladi Nauyi, Danjuma Meli, Ibrahim Dankura, Ibrahim Isiaka, Masta Maishayi, Bello Muhammad, Danjuma Kodo, Aminu Isah, Zayyanu Isah, and Ahmed Usman, all residents of the same village.
During initial questioning, police report that all detained suspects have admitted to their involvement in the crimes. The Divisional Police Officer for Shanga coordinated the arrests on July 13, following credible intelligence about the ongoing abuse.
Kebbi State Commissioner of Police CP Bello M Sani has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department to intensify efforts to apprehend two additional suspects who remain at large. He has also emphasized the need for thorough investigation procedures to ensure justice for the victim.
The police commissioner stressed the command’s unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence throughout the state and pledged swift action in similar cases. Authorities are treating this as a priority case given the victim’s age and vulnerable mental state, which made her particularly susceptible to exploitation.
