A 64-year-old man, Abubakar Aliyu, has confessed to sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl at his medicine shop in Arawa Quarters, Gombe State.
Aliyu, a grandfather, was arrested after the girl’s mother reported the alleged incident to security authorities.
The suspect reportedly admitted to the offence while being questioned by security operatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
According to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Public Relations Officer, CSC Saad Buhari, Aliyu said the girl had visited his shop around 11pm to buy medicine and that the abuse occurred on three separate occasions.
“She came to buy medicine around 11pm. I told her it was late and that she should go home, but she refused,” Aliyu said.
He added that the girl later told her mother about the incident after returning home.
Aliyu admitted that he had sexual relations with the minor three times and allegedly gave her N200 on one occasion and N400 on others.
The suspect said his wife had also warned him to stay away from the girl, but he ignored the warning.
“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,” he said.
He added that the incident had damaged his reputation in the community and that he intended to relocate because of the backlash.
Family members said the case had also affected their relationship with neighbours, who had reportedly distanced themselves from the suspect.
One of his children, who spoke anonymously, said the family had become concerned about allowing their children to have contact with him.
“We are not on good terms with our neighbours. We don’t even want our children near him because of what was alleged,” the child said.
The NSCDC spokesperson said the suspect would be charged to court in Gombe after the completion of investigations.
Buhari added that the alleged offences contravened the Gombe State Penal Code Law and the Child Protection Law.
