The Borno State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a suspect, Abdulsalam Adakwaki, over the alleged rape of a five-year-old girl in the State Low-Cost area of Maiduguri, the state capital.
The command also dismissed reports claiming that the suspect had been arrested and later released, describing such information as false and misleading.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nahum Daso, said the manhunt followed a petition alleging that the incident occurred on November 13 at about 9 a.m., while the minor was on her way to school.
Daso explained that the case was immediately transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough investigation, adding that the suspect had since gone into hiding.
He stated, “Upon receipt of the report, the command immediately commenced an investigation through the State Criminal Investigation Department on the allegation.
“Contrary to claims circulating on social media that the suspect was apprehended and subsequently released by the police, the command wishes to set the record straight that no arrest has been made in respect of this case.
“The suspect is currently at large, while intensive efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
The command has engaged community leaders, including the Lawan, while the Civilian Joint Task Force has been requested to assist in locating and arresting the fleeing suspect.”
The police spokesman noted that the investigation was being conducted under appropriate supervision, with provisions for monitoring by relevant human rights organisations to ensure transparency and accountability.
The PPRO also appealed to members of the public with useful information that could aid the arrest of the suspect to assist security agencies.
“In the interest of transparency, accountability, and public confidence, the investigation is being conducted under appropriate supervision, with room for monitoring and engagement by relevant civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the National Human Rights Commission, in line with established procedures.
“The command appeals to members of the public who may have credible information on the whereabouts of the suspect to promptly report to the nearest police station or assist in ensuring his arrest and handover to the police for further action.
Further updates will be communicated as developments unfold,” Daso concluded.
Meanwhile, PUNCH Metro reported on Tuesday that the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps arrested a 28-year-old man, Olapade Ifeoluwa, over the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl.
According to the corps’ Head of Communications, Adeleye Adewale, the suspect was arrested in Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti South West Local Government Area, in connection with the alleged offence.