The police command in Adamawa says a 45-year-old father has been convicted of sexually assaulting his four-year-old daughter.

In a statement on Wednesday, the command’s spokesman, Suleiman Yahaya, said the victim’s mother reported the assault on Friday after noticing a swelling and complaints of severe pain while bathing her daughter.

“Upon inquiry, the child disclosed to her mother that her father, Halidu Mohammed, repeatedly assaulted her,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the mother reported the matter to the ward head of Ganye I, Musa Maude, who promptly referred it to the police for investigation in Ganye local government.

“Operatives of the Ganye division acted upon investigations which led to the suspect’s arraignment before the Upper Area Court, Ganye, where the prosecution presented witnesses, including the ward head and the Investigating police officer, alongside relevant medical evidence,” the statement said.

According to the police, the defendant subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge of Sexual Assault, contrary to Section 262(1) and punishable under Section 262(2) of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State, 2018.

The judge, Kabiru Musa, convicted and sentenced the convict to five years’ imprisonment, with an option of a N300,000 fine, in addition to 20 lashes, to be administered in accordance with the court’s order.