A 64-year-old man who should know better has been arrested after confessing to defiling a minor at his medicine shop in Gombe State — and his excuse? He paid her ₦600.
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In a deeply disturbing development that has sparked outrage across Gombe State, a 64-year-old grandfather, identified as Abubakar Aliyu*, has confessed to sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl at his medicine shop located in *Arawa Quarters, Gombe.
Aliyu, a man old enough to be the young girl’s grandfather — and indeed already a grandfather to several children — was arrested by security operatives following the heinous act. What makes this case even more chilling is his brazen confession, admitting that he gave the victim a paltry ₦600 after violating her.
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A Man Whose Age Should Have Meant Wisdom
At 64, Abubakar Aliyu belongs to a generation that prides itself on honour, respect, and the protection of the younger generation. In most Nigerian communities — particularly in the North — elders are regarded as custodians of morality and guardians of societal values.
Yet, this man allegedly lured a minor into his shop and committed an act so vile that it has left many in the community shaking their heads in disbelief and anger.
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The Disturbing Details
According to reports, the incident took place at Aliyu’s medicine shop in Arawa Quarters, a commercial area in Gombe. The 14-year-old victim, whose identity is being protected, was allegedly abused on the premises before being handed ₦600 — as though a child’s dignity and innocence could be reduced to loose change.
Aliyu was subsequently arrested and, during questioning, confessed to the crime.
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Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria: A Crisis We Cannot Ignore
This case, as heartbreaking as it is, is unfortunately not an isolated incident. Nigeria continues to grapple with a deeply troubling epidemic of child sexual abuse (CSA), with many cases going unreported due to stigma, family pressure, or fear of social consequences.
According to data from UNICEF Nigeria*, approximately *1 in 4 girls in Nigeria has experienced sexual violence before the age of 18. These numbers are not just statistics — they represent real children, real trauma, and real lives altered forever.
What is particularly worrying in cases like this is the misuse of trust and authority by older individuals. A shop owner, an elder, a grandfather figure — these are people children are taught to respect and trust. When such people become predators, it creates wounds that go far beyond the physical.
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Voices from the Community
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their fury over the incident, with several calling for the maximum punishment under the law.
> “₦600? This man valued a child’s innocence at less than the price of a plate of food. This is pure evil.”
> “We need to stop treating these cases as family matters to be settled quietly. Paedophiles must face justice — no settlement, no bail.”
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What the Law Says
Under Nigeria’s Child Rights Act (2003)* and the **Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act**, sexual abuse of a minor is a serious criminal offence. Offenders can face *up to life imprisonment upon conviction, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Additionally, Gombe State, like many Northern states, has laws under both the Penal Code and child protection frameworks that criminalise such acts.
Advocacy groups are urging authorities to ensure that this case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law — and that no form of out-of-court settlement is entertained.
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Protecting Our Children: What Needs to Change
1. Speak up and report* — If you witness or suspect child abuse, report it to the *National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) or your nearest police station.
2. Educate children about body safety and the importance of telling a trusted adult if someone violates their boundaries.
3. Communities must stop shielding abusers in the name of family honour or reputation.
4. Schools and religious institutions must actively incorporate child protection teachings into their programmes.
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Final Word
The arrest of Abubakar Aliyu is a step in the right direction, but justice must go all the way. A 14-year-old girl’s life has been scarred by a man who should have been a protector, not a predator. Nigeria owes it to her — and to every child across this nation — to ensure that those who harm children face the full weight of the law.
No settlement. No silence. Justice for every child.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, please reach out to NAPTIP** via their helpline: **0800-NAPTIP-NG or visit your nearest support centre.
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