By Suleiman Yakubu

The 45-year-old Sani Abubakar is to spend 10 years in a correctional centre after he was found guilty of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old minor under his care.
A special warrant Chief Magistrate Sa'adatu Abubakar Gambo, who handed down the sentence Friday, described the convict as a betrayer of trust.
The said Abubakar Sani was earlier arraigned by the police after a complaint was lodged at the Niger State Child Rights Agency, on the 3rd of September, 2021, by one Mohammed Naibi of Type B Quarters in Minna that the convict has lured the minor who is under his care into his room and sexually assaulted her severally.
"Upon the receipt of the report, the Director General of the state Child Rights Agency, then invited the police to effect his arrest."
According to the police prosecutor, Inspector Ahmed Jibrin, Sani Abubakar was arraigned under section 18 (2) of the Child Right Law of Niger State 2010.
Since his arrest and arraignment in court, Sani Abubakar has been in correctional custody as a result of the heinous nature of the crime he committed against the minor under his care as her guardian.
While passing her judgement, the Chief Magistrate noted that the sentence will serve as a deterrent to him and other guardians like him, who are in the habit of betraying the trust bestowed on them.
"This punishment is to serve as a deterrent to you and other guardians like you who are fond of betraying the trust bestowed on them, and taking advantage of fiducial relationship of trust between them and their female wards under their care, as a protector to his minor.
"It is disheartening and unfortunate that the convict was so insensitive toward his 12 years old ward under his care. You are hereby sentenced to 10 years imprisonment without an option of fine. The sentence will serve as a deterrent to you and others of like minds," she ruled.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Police operatives attached to Anti-kidnapping unit of State Criminal Investigation Department SCID, Niger State command, has arrested one suspected kidnapper, Mohammed Bande, a.k.a Kachalla, of Saminaka Village of Lapai LGA of Niger State for being in possession N1,707,000, in an attempt to purchase arms and ammunition for AK 47 rifle.
The force Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, Niger State Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, in a press release obtained by Newsline, said the suspect was arrested at Lambata, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, based on credible Intelligence. He added that the suspect was picked by the police for being in possession of a huge sum of cash.
According to the statement, the suspect had during interrogation by the police confessed that the money was given to him by one Gora of the same village who was presently at large to purchase arms and ammunition and AK47 from yet to be identified arms dealers at Lambata, at the time of his arrest.
He further confessed that the purpose of the intended procurement of the arms and ammunition, was to boost their business of kidnapping and cattle rustling at Saminaka Village, Lapai, as well as Lamabata and its environs.
He further stated that the suspect, during interrogation, confessed that he was promised N250, 000 as his reward on successful completion of the transaction.
The press release however indicated that efforts were on to apprehend the said Gora who was on the run, while the matter was under investigation by SCID to arrest other culprits.