A Kaduna court has ordered ten men to remain in jail to face trial for the repeated rape of a 16-year-old disabled girl, who became pregnant and gave birth
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] court in Kaduna has ordered ten men to be held in custody pending their trial for the repeated rape of a 16-year-old disabled girl in Likoro village, Kudan local government area.
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The horrific attacks resulted in the teenager’s pregnancy, and she gave birth to a baby boy four months ago.
The case came to light last October when the victim’s brother noticed her pregnancy and she disclosed the repeated sexual assaults, explaining how different men had deceived her into going with them on various occasions. Police have confirmed that an eleventh suspect remains at large.
Presiding Judge Abubakar Lamido ruled that the ten accused men must remain in prison until the case is transferred to a higher court. The next hearing for the case has been scheduled for May 22, 2025.
Kaduna’s Commissioner for Human Services, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, called the case “heartbreaking,” noting the victim was only 14 when the rapes began and is now struggling to care for her baby.
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, described the case as “heartbreaking.”
She revealed that the victim was only 14 years old when the rapes commenced and is now facing significant challenges in caring for her infant son. Adding to the tragedy, the victim’s parents are blind, and she herself suffers from vision problems.
Commissioner Salisu also criticized a former police officer for allegedly improperly releasing some suspects earlier in the investigation.
She assured the public that the state government is committed to providing assistance to the young mother and her child.
Kaduna State has stringent laws in place to protect women and children from harm. Officials have issued a strong warning that anyone found guilty of abusing disabled individuals will face severe punishment under the law.
Police efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the one suspect who remains at large.
The details of this case have sent shockwaves across Nigeria, where violence against women and disabled individuals remains a grave societal issue.
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Activists are reiterating the urgent need for more robust measures to protect vulnerable groups within the country.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
