Grandfather admits to abusing girl in Gombe

A 64-year-old man, Abubakar Aliyu, confessed on Wednesday to sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl at his medicine shop in Arawa Quarters, Gombe.

Reports say the man is a grandfather with many grandchildren.

Aliyu was arrested after the girl’s mother reported him. He admitted to the crime during questioning by security agents.

The suspect was shown to the public by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Public Relations Officer, CSC Saad Buhari. He said the girl came to buy medicine at night and that the abuse happened on three occasions.

He explained, “She came to buy medicine around 11pm. I told her it was late and that she should go home, but she refused.

“I lured her. When she got home, her mother asked her where she was coming from and she mentioned my shop.”

Aliyu stated that the girl was the only child involved in the incidents.

“We had sex three times and she was the only girl. I gave her N200, other times N400,” he said.

When asked why he did it, Aliyu said, “Even my wife asked me to leave the girl but I refused. As one grows older, the attraction changes. It was temptation. I am not doing it for ritual. I sincerely regret my actions. I have spoiled my name in my area and I am relocating because if I remain there I will have problems with the people.”

Family members said this case has caused problems in the community.

His children, who did not want to be named, said people have kept their distance from him since the news broke.

“We are not on good terms with our neighbours. We don’t even want our children near him because of what was alleged,” one child said.

The NSCDC PRO said they will take the matter to court in Gombe after a complete investigation. He added that the offences go against the Gombe State Penal Code Law and the Child Protection Law.