The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended a 23-year-old man, Sanusi Umar, suspected of being homosexual, for reportedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy who has mental health issues.
Ahmed Wakili, the spokesperson for the Command, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that Umar, a vendor selling garden eggs, tigernuts, and other items, was captured by operatives from Operation Restore Peace (ORP) on March 28, 2024, around 9:00 pm.
It was reported that the suspected homosexual lured the young boy with N30 worth of sweets before assaulting him behind the AIB filling station in Kofar Ran.
Preliminary investigations uncovered that Umar, originally from Jingino village in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State, had been selling his goods at the same filling station for approximately two years.
Taking advantage of the child’s mental condition, Umar allegedly engaged in the act.
“After removing his trousers, the suspect also removed his own trousers, held the victim from behind, and sexually assaulted him.
“The victim immediately reported the incident to the filling station manager,” Wakili explained.
Both the victim and the suspect were taken to ATBU Teaching Hospital in Bauchi for medical evaluation.
Wakili mentioned that the investigation is ongoing, and upon its completion, Umar will face charges in court.