Senator Elisha Abbo has been detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigeria Police in Abuja following allegations that he raped a 13-year-old secondary school student, Khadija Muhammad.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred on June 29, at Mr Abbo’s residence in Katampe, Abuja.
The girl was allegedly lured to the house by a 17-year-old associate of the former senator.
A petition submitted to the inspector general of police by law firm D.I. Aiyedun & Co. detailed accusations of rape, attempted rape of the victim’s 16-year-old sister, criminal intimidation and threats against the family.
“The suspect attempted to undress her, overpowered her resistance, applied baby oil to his manhood, and attempted to forcibly penetrate her vagina,” the petition said.
“After the act, he cleaned his semen-soaked genitals with a white cloth. She later informed her father of the horrific assault, but who blamed her and took no action.”
Fatima Muhammad, Khadija’s older sister, was also reportedly targeted in a similar scheme involving Zara Chigli but she managed to escape before the assault was completed.
“In a nearly identical scheme, the victim’s sister, Fatima Muhammad, was lured to the suspect’s residence by Zara Muhammad Chigli,” the petition said.
“The suspect attempted to sexually assault her as well. She managed to escape the situation before the assault could be completed, but the attempt itself is a grave crime that demonstrates a repeated pattern of predatory behaviour.”
The petition, addressed to the IGP and copied to the deputy commissioner of police – Gender, FCID, included medical evidence from Deda Hospital, financial transfer records and testimonies.
The medical report, signed by Kehinde Duromola, consultant bbstetrician and gynecologist, noted bruising consistent with sexual assault.
The petition also cited psychological trauma and suicidal thoughts reportedly expressed by the victim.
The parents of the girls alleged that Abbo made repeated efforts to silence them, including visits to their home, sending money and threats to release nude photos of the victim.
They also alleged that former Adamawa governorship candidate, Aishatu Ahmed, popularly known as Binani, visited their home to plead with them not to expose the case.
The petition further accused associates Nafisa Chigli, Zara Chigli and Hassan Musa of aiding the alleged crime through luring, attempted assault and financial inducement.
The petitioners called for Abbo’s prosecution, investigation of his alleged accomplices and protection for the victims and their family.
Elisha Abbo has previously faced controversies.
He was once arrested for assaulting a woman at a sex shop in Abuja and more recently, a married woman accused him of blackmail with a sex tape.
He lost his Senate seat in October 2023 after a court nullified his election.
