A 45-year-old businessman, Abubarkar Mohammed Dandatijo, has been remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre following his arraignment at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Tinubu, Lagos Island, for the alleged defilement of an 8-year-old girl.
The incident, which occurred at 54 Baale Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, has sparked outrage in the community.
According to police reports, Dandatijo allegedly lured the minor into his room, forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with her, and gave her N50 with a warning not to disclose the act.
The crime came to light when the victim’s mother noticed her daughter’s unusual behaviour and, upon examination, discovered blood and semen, prompting the girl to identify “Alhaji” as the perpetrator.
The mother’s alarm attracted neighbours, who confronted Dandatijo. He reportedly admitted to the act and begged for forgiveness.
Residents, suspecting a cover-up by local police, escalated the matter to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for Zone 2 Command, Lagos, AIG Adegoke Fayoade.
AIG Fayoade ordered a thorough investigation, leading to Dandatijo’s arrest by a team led by ASP Jeremiah Kamto.
The suspect was charged with defilement and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, offences punishable under Sections 137 and 168(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
ASP Ibrahim Haruna, the prosecuting counsel, told the court that Dandatijo’s actions were non-consensual and aimed at silencing the victim with a token payment.
The Magistrate, Mrs. N.A.S. Wahab adjourned the case to July 25, 2025, for mention, pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.