The family of an eight-year-old orphan is demanding justice after a serving officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector Bassey Timothy, was accused of luring and sexually assaulting the minor in the Mabushi area of Abuja.
SaharaReporters gathered that the officer has been arrested and is currently in detention.
The traumatic incident, which occurred on Thursday evening, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, the assault took place around 5pm on Thursday within a residential estate in Mabuchi.
The victim, identified only as Zahra, is under the guardianship of a doctor following the death of both her parents.
The young girl was playing outside when the suspect, Inspector Bassey Timothy, allegedly abducted her, luring her into his car before sexually assaulting her.
A source familiar with the case, who requested anonymity due to its sensitive nature, revealed that the matter was immediately reported to the police, and the victim was rushed to a hospital for medical examination.
“The girl was taken to the hospital, where medical examinations confirmed the assault,” the source said.
The victim’s guardian has been solely responsible for her welfare and education, heightening the gravity of the incident.
On Saturday, the family confirmed that Inspector Timothy had been arrested and taken to the FCT Command Headquarters.
A family member, speaking exclusively to SaharaReporters, emphatically stated that “the case must not be swept under the carpet” and called for a transparent and rigorous investigation to ensure justice is served.
The family’s demand for accountability comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to address misconduct within its ranks.
When contacted by SaharaReporters, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, initially stated that she would confirm the details and respond.
However, subsequent attempts to reach her for updates on the case were unsuccessful.