The police command in Gombe has arrested a 38-year-old teacher for defiling four pupils. The pupils, aged eight, nine, 12 and 14 years, are sisters.

ASP Mahid Abubakar, the command’s spokesman, said this in a statement.

Abubakar said the suspect, Abubakar Muhammed, was arrested for alleged sexual assault.

The police spokesman said the suspect was arrested on March 7 at about 11:00 a.m. following complaints from the pupils’ father, Adamu Ali, who reported that the sexual assault was committed between January and March.

“The suspect, who resides in Malam-inna quarters, Gombe, committed the offence at the Islamiyya school located in the same community. The victims were taken to the hospital for medical examination,” he said.

He further stated that the suspect had confessed to the crime.

In a related development, Mr Abubakar said three suspects were also arrested for defiling three sisters aged 12, 15 and 17. He said the complaint was reported to the police by the girls’ father, Aliyu Adamu of Malam inna quarters and Alhaji Abba, attached to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Gombe.

Mr Abubakar said the suspects, Sani Adamu, 50, Adamu Muhammed, 40 and Bakura Muhammed, 30, had confessed to the crime and would soon be prosecuted.

He said two other suspects were arrested for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery. The police officer assured that the command was working to protect youths and children across Gombe from criminals.

“The command wishes to once again call on parents or guardians to keep closer watch over their children and monitor their activities in schools, on an errand or playing with their peers at public places, especially girls,” stated the police officer.

(NAN)