The police command in the Federal Capital Territory has arrested a suspect identified as Zayyanu Halilu for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl around Airport Bridge in Abuja.

The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the police had commenced an investigation into the incident while the victim received medical care.

She said the incident occurred on Friday when police officers on routine patrol around the Airport Bridge Taxi Park noticed a fully tinted navy-blue Volkswagen vehicle with registration number KMC567LQ parked with its windows wound up.

“However, the vehicle was shaking. The officers, suspecting foul play, approached the vehicle and opened it, only to see one Zayyanu Halilu raping a twelve (12) year old minor,” Ms Adeh said. 

She said the suspect was promptly arrested and the victim rescued following the discovery.

Ms Adeh said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had allegedly lured and sexually abused the victim on several occasions in the vehicle parked at the same location.

She added that the suspect allegedly threatened to “deal with her” if she disclosed the abuse to anyone.

“Medical examination also revealed that the victim is about three months pregnant as a result of the abuse,” she said.

The spokesperson added that the victim was receiving medical care and assessment, while the suspect remained in police custody and would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.