The Police Command in Niger says it has detained nine persons for alleged offences, ranging from rape to sexual assault, in Minna.

This is contained in a statement issued in Minna by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, and made available to newsmen on Thursday.

Abiodun listed the suspects to include

Lawal Abubakar of Dutsen-Kura, 30, Mohammed Umar of Mokwa, 18, Emmanuel Patrick of Chanchaga, 15, Julius Nyikwa of Keteren-Gwari, 59.

Others were Lawal Gimba of Barkin-Sale, 59, Badamasi Abdullahi of F/Layout, 19, Usman Musa of Dutsen-Kura, 19, Jafar Mohammed of Kontagora, 19, Emmanuel Ikechukwu, 19, and Usman Abubakar, 50, all of Kontagora.

Abiodun stated: “On Feb. 1, at about 3pm, a case of attempted rape and gross indecency was received from GRA Div., Minna.

“The case indicated that Abubakar of Dutsen-Kura Hausa, 30, attempted to rape a six-year-old girl of the same address in his room.

“Investigation revealed that the suspect lured the victim into his room and attempted to have carnal knowledge of her.

“Fortunately, the victim’s father, who was looking for her, barged into the room and caught the suspect in the act.

“He was arrested and transferred to SCID Minna for further investigation and prosecution.”

“Similarly, on Feb. 10, at about 2pm, a report received in Mokwa Div. stated that on the same date, at about 11am, one Mohammed Umar of Mokwa, 18, lured a three-year-old girl to an uncompleted building.”

The PPRO added that the suspect allegedly had a carnal knowledge of her.

“The suspect was detained, while the victim was taken to the General Hospital, Mokwa for medical attention.

Meanwhile, the suspect had been transferred to SCID Minna for further necessary action.