The Gombe State Police Command has arrested a 47-year-old man, Mohammed Magaji, for allegedly raping his two-year-old stepdaughter in the Magaji area of Tudun Wada, Shamaki Quarters, Gombe State.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Command's spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the incident occurred on May 5, 2025, and was reported by the suspect's wife, Hauwau Usman.

"On May 5, about 09:32am, a formal complaint was received from one Hauwau Usman of Tudun Wada, Shamaki quarters. Usman reported that on May 5, about 09:00am, her husband took his two-year-old stepdaughter to his room and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her," Abdullahi stated.

Following the complaint, police officers were immediately dispatched to the scene where the suspect was arrested. Both the victim and the suspect were subsequently taken to the Specialist Hospital for medical evaluation.

The police spokesperson confirmed that the case would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

Second Arrest in Similar Case

In a related development, the Command also apprehended 35-year-old Isah Adamu from Golkos Quarters in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State for allegedly defiling a six-year-old girl.

According to DSP Abdullahi, the suspect reportedly lured the minor into a residence at Awai Quarters where he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. The incident was reported to the police by the victim's mother.

"Both the suspect and the victim were taken to the General Hospital in Kaltungo for medical examination, and investigation is still ongoing," Abdullahi added.

The police spokesperson further revealed that the Command had successfully arrested 18 additional suspects in connection with various criminal activities reported across the state in recent weeks.

Child rights advocates have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of laws protecting minors from sexual abuse, with emphasis on the need for swift prosecution of offenders to serve as deterrent to others.