A traditional leader was detained by the police in Zaria, Kaduna State, for reportedly sodomizing a 14-year-old child.
DSP Muhammad Jalige, the spokesman for Kaduna Command, verified the event on Wednesday and informed journalists that police are looking into the alleged offense and that if the suspect is proven guilty, he will face legal action.
Malam Hamza Zubairu, the victim’s older brother, claims that on December 9, 2022, in the Kwarbai neighborhood of Zaria, the traditional leader mistreated his younger brother, who was then 14 years old.
Malam Hamza Zubairu, who was shocked to learn of the occurrence, stated that the suspect enjoys great respect in the community and had no idea he could engage in sodomy with a juvenile.
Zubairu narrated that on the day of the incident, the suspect sent the victim into his room to get him some money but followed the teenager into the room and bolted the door.
“The traditional ruler subsequently drew a dagger and threatened to kill the boy if he raised an alarm about what he was about to do to him,’ he said
According to him, the boy became traumatized and could not tell anyone what happened initially until he summoned enough courage and told his aunt, adding that it was the aunt that reported the case to the police at the Zaria City Divisional Police Headquarters.
However, Hajiya Aishatu Ahmed, who is the Coordinator of the Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, said the centre received a request for medical attention for the victim, adding that the centre had sent its findings and diagnosis to the Zaria City Divisional Police Headquarters as requested.
