A traditional leader has been detained by the police in Zaria, Kaduna State, for reportedly sodomizing a 14-year-old boy.
DSP Muhammad Jalige, the spokesman for Kaduna Police Command, verified the news on Wednesday, and informed newsmen that the police are looking into the alleged offense and that, if the suspect is proven guilty, he would face legal action.
Narrating the event, Malam Hamza Zubairu, the victim’s older brother, claimed that on December 9, 2022, in the Kwarbai neighborhood of Zaria, the traditional leader abused his younger brother, who was then 14 years old.
Malam Hamza Zubairu, who was shocked to learn of the occurrence, stated that the suspect was held in high esteem in the community and had no idea he could engage in sodomy with a juvenile.
In his account of the occurrence, Zubairu said that the suspect had sent the victim into his room on the day of the incident in order to get him some cash, but instead followed the kid inside and locked the door.
“The traditional ruler subsequently drew a dagger and threatened to kill the boy if he raised an alarm about what he was about to do to him,” he said.
He said that the youngster was terrified and first lacked the nerve to tell anybody what had occurred, but eventually found the strength to inform his aunt, who then reported the incident to the authorities at the Zaria City Divisional Police Headquarters.
However, the coordinator of the Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Gambo Sawaba General Hospital in Zaria, Hajiya Aishatu Ahmed, stated that the center had been contacted regarding the victim’s request for medical attention. She also stated that the center had sent its findings and diagnosis to the Zaria City Divisional Police Headquarters as requested.