The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old man, Muhammadu Audu, for allegedly raping a nine-year-old girl in Bulkachuwa, Katagum Local Government Area of the state.
The Command's Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, stating that the suspect allegedly threatened to kill the child with a knife if she revealed the incident to anyone.
According to the police, the victim's father reported the case to the Bulkachuwa Divisional Police Headquarters on June 15, 2026.
He alleged that the incident occurred on June 14 while his daughter was hawking soya bean cake in the community.
Police said the suspect allegedly lured the girl into an uncompleted building under the pretext of buying from her before sexually assaulting her.
The statement added that the child sustained injuries during the incident.
According to SP Habib, the suspect confessed during interrogation and allegedly admitted that the abuse had occurred on more than one occasion.
The police spokesperson further stated that the suspect confessed to threatening the victim with a knife to prevent her from informing her parents about the incidents.
Following the report, the child was immediately taken to the Primary Health Care Centre in Bulkachuwa, where she received medical examination and treatment.
The suspect has since been taken into police custody while investigations continue.
The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged crime and directed investigators to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
He reaffirmed the command's zero tolerance for sexual violence, particularly offences involving children.
The police also assured members of the public that the case would be diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“The Command remains committed to protecting women and children across Bauchi State and ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law,” the statement added.