A 24-year-old man, Usman Mohammed Iyal, has been apprehended by the Katsina State Police Command for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl and attempting to murder her by throwing her into a well at Ambassadors Quarters, Katsina State.
Iyal confessed to the crime, stating, “Because I didn’t want her to expose me.” His arrest was made possible by a swift investigation and rescue operation launched by the police after the victim’s father, Abdullahi Sabitu, reported her disappearance.
According to ASP Abubakar Sadiq, the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, the incident occurred on September 27, 2024, when the victim was sent on an errand by her mother. Iyal, armed with a knife, accosted and threatened the victim, then dragged her into an uncompleted building where he violently assaulted and raped her.
In an attempt to conceal his crime, Iyal threw the victim into a nearby well and hurled stones down the well, intending to kill her. Fortunately, the police rescued the victim from the well, and she is currently receiving medical attention.
In other developments, the police also arrested Binta Muhammed, 35, for allegedly tying and locking up a two-year-old boy in a room in a cruel manner. The victim, Abdulmajid Shafi’u, was rescued and is receiving medical attention, while Muhammed has confessed to the offense and will be charged to court soon.
Additionally, three suspects – Sabi’u Hassan, 34, Isiya Salisu, 30, and Aliyu Haruna, 20 – were arrested for vandalism and theft. They confessed to the crime and mentioned four other suspects who are currently at large. Efforts are being made to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
These arrests demonstrate the Katsina State Police Command’s commitment to tackling crime and ensuring justice is served.
