By Ade Oyeyemi
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a man, identified as Zayyanu Halilu, for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl in a vehicle around Airport Bridge Taxi Park, Abuja.
The command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit reportedly made the arrest on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol of the area.
According to the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, officers noticed a navy blue Volkswagen with registration number KMC567LQ parked at the location with its windows wound up.
Adeh said the officers became suspicious after observing the vehicle shaking and decided to approach it.
She said the officers opened the vehicle and allegedly found Halilu sexually assaulting the minor.
“The officers, suspecting foul play, approached the vehicle and opened it, only to see one Zayyanu Halilu raping a twelve (12) year old minor,” Adeh said.
The police spokesperson said the suspect was immediately arrested while the victim was rescued from the vehicle.
She added that preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect had allegedly lured and sexually abused the girl on several occasions in the same vehicle.
According to her, the suspect allegedly threatened to harm the victim if she disclosed the abuse to anyone.
Adeh further disclosed that a medical examination showed that the victim was approximately three months pregnant, allegedly as a result of the abuse.
She said the girl was receiving medical care and undergoing further assessment, while the suspect remained in police custody pending the conclusion of the investigation.
“The victim is currently receiving medical care and assessment, while the suspect remains in Police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” she stated.
The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to the safety, movements and welfare of their children and wards.
The command also called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.
