The mother of an 8-year-old girl allegedly defiled by a staff member of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Bauchi Command, has appealed for justice.
The woman spoke through her lawyer, human rights lawyer Barrister Alkasim Mohammed of the Organization for African Child Development and Human Rights Protection.
Alkasim said the incident was reported to the Police, and the suspect was arrested. However, he alleged that for over three weeks after the arrest, the police refused to prosecute him.
He said the delay forced them to petition the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, demanding immediate prosecution of the suspect.
In their petition titled: “Urgent Demand for Immediate Prosecution of Muhammad Mustapha Makama of NDLEA for the Offence of Rape Pursuant to the Provisions of Sections 278 & 279 – A Case for Justice”, the group stated:
“We rejoice and join hands with you in the enforcement of laws and combating crime in Bauchi State. It is with utmost respect that we draw your attention to the subject matter and the complaint of the victim to our organization, the Organization for African Child Development and Human Rights Protection. We write on the authority and instruction of Salamatu Musa, the mother of the defiled victim of alleged rape.”
According to the petition, the case was reported on 5th July, 2026 at ‘E’ Division, Bauchi, by Salamatu Musa of Dorawan Dillalai, Bauchi.
“Muhammad Mustapha Makama, a 45-year-old staff of the NDLEA, was alleged to have raped an 8-year-old girl. The innocent girl was sent to buy sachet/pure water at the residence of the alleged rapist, who happens to be their neighbor. Unfortunately, the 8-year-old girl had her destiny altered by Muhammad Mustapha Makama.
“The alleged rapist had carnal knowledge of the innocent 8-year-old girl without her consent to satisfy his sexual desire. He has since been arrested and has been in police custody at the Bauchi Command for about three weeks without being prosecuted,” the petition stated.
Alkasim commended the Bauchi Commissioner of Police and his men for arresting the suspect despite him being a security personnel. He said the action was in line with the constitutional and statutory duties of the Police under Sections 4 and 66 of the Police Act.
He noted that the gravity of the alleged offence requires thorough investigation and timely prosecution in accordance with existing laws.
“Rape cases have become prevalent in our society and have caused serious damage to young girls, families and institutions. In Bauchi, almost 40 cases of rape and sodomy have been recorded across the 43 police divisions and 6 Area Commands,” he said.
Alkasim added that records show the Bauchi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice issued legal advice on 23rd July, 2023 for the prosecution of the suspect based on available evidence, including the medical report.
“It is without doubt that government, institutions, civil society organizations and the international community have prioritized the fight against this menace. There are good state, federal and international laws that prescribe punishment for the offence of rape and condemn it on various platforms,” he said.
He alleged that “personalities from various institutions, leaders and judges have been mounting pressure to secure the suspect’s release by all means. We shall expose all of them in our subsequent follow-ups. If suspected criminals are released on a platter of gold despite weighty accusations, then victims are likely to resort to self-help and lawlessness.”
The group also called on the Director-General of the NDLEA and the State Commander to comply with all extant regulations, particularly the NDLEA Act, in dealing with the suspect.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed the arrest and assured that the suspect will be charged to court.