Bauchi Police Arrest 70-Year-Old Watchman for Repeated Sexual Assault on Teenage Girls
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 70-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting three teenage girls over 15 times, highlighting the persistent challenge of child sexual abuse in northern Nigeria. The suspect, a watchman who allegedly used small cash bribes to lure his victims, was caught in the act on September 1, 2025, sparking a swift investigation that uncovered a pattern of exploitation.
This case, reported widely on September 9-10, 2025, underscores the vulnerabilities faced by minors in low-income communities, where authority figures like watchmen often exploit their positions of trust.
Details of the Arrest and Incident
The arrest occurred on September 1, 2025, around 4:00 p.m., following a distress call to the C Divisional Police Headquarters in Bauchi. The suspect, identified as Lawan Sani, a 70-year-old resident of Bakin Kura in Bauchi, was apprehended on the spot while attempting to rape a 16-year-old girl in a house in Unguwar Sarakuna, where he worked as a watchman.
According to police spokesperson CSP Ahmed Wakil, Sani had lured the initial victim into the residence with N500 (about $0.30 USD), a tactic he confessed to using repeatedly. Further probing revealed two additional teenage victims, whose names are withheld for privacy, who were molested using similar methods.
In interviews with police, the three victims confirmed the assaults occurred more than 15 times across different occasions. They detailed how Sani threatened them to keep silent, exploiting their fear and the isolated nature of the location. The Divisional Police Officer, SP Naziru Abubakar Pindiga, led the team that responded promptly, ensuring Sani’s immediate detention.
Both the suspect and victims underwent medical examinations to assess their health conditions, as confirmed by police authorities. The investigation is described as “discreet” to protect the minors and gather evidence for prosecution.
Background on the Case and Suspect
Lawan Sani, a septuagenarian from the Bakin Kura area, served as a watchman for the property in Unguwar Sarakuna, a semi-urban neighborhood in Bauchi metropolis. His role gave him unsupervised access to the premises, which he allegedly abused to target vulnerable teenage girls from the surrounding community.
The incident came to light through community vigilance—a distress call from locals who interrupted the attempted assault. This prompt reporting prevented further harm and led to Sani’s on-the-spot arrest. During interrogation, Sani admitted to the prior incidents involving the N500 inducement, revealing a calculated pattern of grooming and coercion.
Bauchi State, in northeastern Nigeria, has seen a rise in reported cases of sexual violence against minors, often linked to economic desperation and weak community oversight. This case mirrors broader patterns where elderly perpetrators exploit poverty, using minimal sums to silence victims.
Broader Context: Sexual Assault Epidemic in Nigeria
This arrest occurs against a backdrop of escalating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, particularly affecting young girls. Recent data from the Minister of Women Affairs, shared on September 10, 2025, indicates that 31% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, and over 28% have faced sexual violence at least once. In Bauchi and similar regions, underreporting remains rampant due to stigma, fear of reprisal, and limited access to justice.
Earlier incidents in Bauchi highlight the systemic issue. In August 2025, police arrested five suspects in a rape syndicate targeting minors in Misau LGA. June 2025 saw the arrest of a 37-year-old stepfather for assaulting his 15-year-old stepdaughter multiple times, averted from mob justice. In April 2025, a father was detained for impregnating his 17-year-old daughter. These cases, often involving family or authority figures, point to deep-rooted cultural and economic factors enabling abuse.
Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) of 2015 criminalizes such acts, with penalties up to life imprisonment for rape. However, enforcement challenges, including delayed prosecutions and cultural tolerance, hinder progress. Bauchi State has established Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), but resource shortages limit their reach.
Police Response and Investigation
The Bauchi State Police Command, under Commissioner CP Muhammadu Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has prioritized the case, transferring it to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough probing. Wakil’s statement emphasized the command’s commitment to protecting minors and urged the public to report suspicions promptly.
Medical reports from the examinations will form key evidence, alongside victim testimonies and Sani’s confession. Police have assured that the suspect will face court charges once the investigation concludes, potentially under VAPP sections for defilement and assault.
In a related effort, the command has warned against mob justice, as seen in prior cases, to ensure due process.
Public Reactions and Implications
The news has elicited outrage across Nigerian social media and traditional outlets. On X (formerly Twitter), users decried the betrayal of trust by an elder, with hashtags like #EndChildAbuseNG gaining traction. Posts from accounts like @BauchiPoliceNG and activists called for stricter community vigilance and faster judicial action.
Women’s rights groups, including the Bauchi chapter of the Nigerian Feminist Forum, praised the arrest but demanded psychosocial support for the victims. “Cases like this erode community trust; we need education to break the cycle,” said a local advocate in interviews with Channels Television.
For Bauchi’s residents, this incident amplifies calls for enhanced child protection measures, such as neighborhood watches and school-based awareness programs. Economically strained areas like Unguwar Sarakuna, where poverty incentivizes silence, face heightened scrutiny.
Nationally, it aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes GBV interventions, but experts urge more funding for SARCs and victim rehabilitation.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Prevention
The arrest of 70-year-old Lawan Sani for the repeated sexual assault of three teenage girls in Bauchi represents a critical step in addressing child exploitation, but it also exposes systemic vulnerabilities. With over 15 assaults confessed and confirmed, the case demands rigorous prosecution to deliver justice for the victims and deter future perpetrators.
As the investigation unfolds, Bauchi Police’s proactive response offers hope, yet broader reforms—stronger laws, community education, and support services—are essential to safeguard Nigeria’s youth. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that protecting minors requires collective vigilance, ensuring no child falls prey to those meant to guard them. Updates on court proceedings are expected soon, with the command vowing transparency.