Mother demands justice after NDLEA official allegedly defiled minor in Bauchi

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The mother of an eight-year-old girl allegedly defiled by an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bauchi State has appealed to authorities for immediate justice following delays in prosecuting the suspect.

Speaking through human rights advocate, Barrister Alkasim Mohammed of the Organization for African Child Development and Human Rights Protection, the victim’s mother, Salamatu Musa, expressed concern over the three-week delay by the police in charging the suspect to court despite his arrest.

According to a petition submitted to the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, the alleged assault occurred on July 5, 2026, in the Dorawan Dillalai area of Bauchi.

The young girl had reportedly been sent to purchase sachet water at the residence of the suspect, 45-year-old Muhammad Mustapha Makama, a neighbor and NDLEA staff member.

The petition, titled : “Urgent Demand for Immediate Prosecution of Muhammad Mustapha Makama of NDLEA for the Offence of Rape,” alleges that the suspect sexually assaulted the minor.

While the police promptly arrested Makama following the initial report at the ‘E’ Division Police Station, he has remained in custody for roughly three weeks without being formally charged in court.

Barrister Alkasim commended the police for detaining the suspect regardless of his position as a security officer, noting that the gesture aligns with Sections 4 and 66 of the Police Act.

However, he warned against attempts by influential figures to compromise the case.

“It has come to our knowledge that personalities from various institutions are pressing to secure the suspect’s release by all means.

“ We shall expose everyone involved if this continues. If suspected offenders are released on a platter of gold despite weighty allegations, victims may be forced to resort to self-help,” Barrister Alkasim Mohammed stated.

The advocacy group further noted that the Bauchi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice issued legal advice on July 23 recommending prosecution based on available evidence, including medical reports.

The NDLEA Director-General and the State Commander must uphold internal regulatory standards and disciplinary actions regarding the officer involved.

Sexual violence remains a critical concern, with nearly 40 reported cases of rape and sodomy recently recorded across Bauchi State’s 43 police divisions.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Bauchi State Command, SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed the arrest and reassured the public that the police command will prosecute the suspect in court as investigations conclude.