Borno State Police Command says it is on the manhunt for Abdulsalam Adakwaki, who allegedly raped a five-year-old girl in the State Low-Cost area of Maiduguri, the state capital.
The command clarified that reports claiming the suspect had been arrested and released were false.
The state police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, said in a statement on Wednesday that the alleged incident occurred on November 13 at around 9 a.m., as the victim was on her way to school.
According to Daso, the case was immediately transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation, and the suspect has since fled.
“Contrary to claims circulating on social media that the suspect was apprehended and released, no arrest has been made. The suspect is currently at large, and intensive efforts are ongoing to apprehend him,” Daso said.
He added that the police have engaged community leaders and requested assistance from the Civilian Joint Task Force in locating and arresting the suspect.
Daso urged members of the public with information that could aid the investigation to report to the nearest police station or assist in ensuring the suspect’s arrest.
He also said the investigation is being monitored by relevant civil society organisations and the National Human Rights Commission.
The police said updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
