A 64-year-old grandfather, Abubakar Aliyu, has been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Gombe State for allegedly sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl.
Aliyu, who operates a medicine shop at Arawa Quarters, Gombe, was arrested after the girl’s mother reported the alleged incident to the authorities.
The suspect reportedly admitted the allegation while being questioned by security operatives.
Parading Aliyu on Wednesday, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in the state, CSC Saad Buhari, said the girl had visited the suspect’s shop at night to purchase medicine.
According to the suspect, the alleged abuse occurred on three occasions after the girl visited his shop.
He claimed that he initially told the girl to return home because of the late hour but later lured her into staying.
The suspect also admitted giving the girl small amounts of money on some occasions.
Aliyu, who has several grandchildren, reportedly expressed regret over his actions, saying the incident had damaged his reputation within the community.
He further claimed that his wife had warned him against having any inappropriate dealings with the girl, but he ignored the warning.
The development has reportedly caused tension within the family, with some of Aliyu’s children saying they had become uncomfortable with him following the allegation.
One of his children, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the family had also become estranged from some neighbours over the incident.
The NSCDC spokesperson said the suspect would be prosecuted after the completion of investigation.
Buhari added that the alleged offences contravened provisions of the Gombe State Penal Code Law and the Child Protection Law.