Police nab Zaria traditional ruler for sodomizing 14-year-old boy

From: Femi  Oyelola, Kaduna

Operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested a traditional title holder in Zaria for allegedly sodomizing a 14-year-old boy.

Police Spokesman in the state, DSP Muhammadu Jalige, told reporters in Zaria yesterday that the suspect would be prosecuted at the conclusion of the investigation.

Elder brother of the victim, Hamza Zubairu, told newsmen that the incident happened on December 9 at Kwarbai area of Zaria.

He said the suspect, a neighbour of the victim’s parents, used to enjoy a lot of respect in the neighbourhood.

He added that on the day of the incident, the suspect sent the victim into his room to bring some money, but followed the teenager into the room and bolted the door.

The suspect subsequently drew a dagger and threatened to kill the boy if he raised an alarm on what he was about to do to him.

He said the boy became traumatized and could not tell anyone what happened initially until he summoned enough courage and told his aunt.

“It was the aunt that reported the case to the police at the Zaria City Divisional Police Headquarters,” Zubairu said.

In her remarks, Aishatu Ahmed, Coordinator, Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, said the Centre received a request for medical attention for the victim.

She said already, the centre had sent its findings and diagnosis to the Zaria City Divisional Police Headquarters.