- Abuja Pastor Arrested Over Sexual Exploitation of 13-Year-Old Girl in Mpape
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Security forces have intensified anti-kidnapping patrols along the Bwari–Kaduna State border following reports of bandit movement in the area.
This is just as a Pastor is in Nigeria Police custody after allegedly sexually exploiting a 13-year-old girl in Mpape, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Zagazola gathered that the joint security patrol operation, carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS), police Anti-Kidnapping Unit in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes, was launched after sources reported sighting armed men suspected to be bandits at Kweri Forest via Gidan Dogo in Kaduna State.
The joint security team combed the suspected hideouts and routes used by the bandits, while a fire drill was conducted in the forest as a deterrent.
The Nigerian Army Guards Brigade Forward Operating Base was also placed on a full level of alertness following the development.
However, intelligence gathering is ongoing to trace the destination of the bandits, suspected to be using the forest as a transit route to their camps in Kaduna State.
On the alleged sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old girl in Mpape, Abuja, Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred on August 2, 2025, at about 1803 hours, when a resident of Dogo Block Off Mashafa Road, Mpape, reported that her daughter (named withheld), aged 13, had left home for four days and returned.
Upon attempting to discipline the girl, the family’s neighbor, Pastor Joseph (surname not disclosed) of the same address, intervened and suggested that the daughter be brought to his house for counseling.
It was later discovered that the suspect had sexually exploited and abused the girl.
The suspect was promptly arrested by the FCT Police and both the victim and suspect were taken to a hospital for medical examinations.
“The victim is receiving medical attention and psychological support, in line with standard procedures for alleged child victims,”sources said.
The sources said that the case will be processed under Nigeria’s laws on child rights and sexual violence. If found guilty, the suspect faces serious penalties, including potential imprisonment and other sanctions as prescribed by law.