BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, DECEMBER 18, 2025 | 06:56 PM

Public concern spread quickly across Maiduguri after reports emerged of the alleged rape of a five-year-old pupil in the State Low-Cost area of the city.

The case first came to light following a formal petition submitted to the Borno State Police Command on November 24, over an incident said to have occurred on November 13, while the child was on her way to school.

Initial social media posts accused the police of arresting and secretly releasing the suspect, a claim that heightened public anger and mistrust.

The police later clarified that no arrest had been made at the time and that the suspect, Abdulsalam M. Adakwaki, had fled and was being actively pursued.

According to ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, police public relations officer of the Borno State Police Command, the investigation was immediately assigned to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Community leaders and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were also engaged to support efforts to locate the suspect.

Days after being declared at large, the suspect voluntarily presented himself to the police, marking a turning point in the case, on Thursday.

Police confirmed that Adakwaki is now in custody and undergoing investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Maiduguri.

The Command said the investigation is being conducted with professionalism and sensitivity, given the age of the alleged victim and the nature of the case.

To promote transparency, the police opened the process to oversight by civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the National Human Rights Commission.

Residents were warned against sharing images or personal details of the child or suspect, as such actions could prejudice the investigation and future court proceedings.

The police assured the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated and that justice will follow the outcome of the inquiry.

For many residents, the case has reopened conversations about child safety, community vigilance, and the role of public trust in the justice process.