The Borno State Police Command says it is on the manhunt for a suspect, Abdulsalam Adakwaki, who is alleged to have raped a five-year-old girl in the State Low-Cost area of Maiduguri, the state capital.

This is just as the police clarified that the report that the command had already arrested and released the suspect was untrue.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that the manhunt followed a petition that on November 13, at about 9am, the five-year-old pupil was raped by the suspect on his way to school.

He noted that the command immediately transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation, and it has since been on the radar of the suspect, who has since fled.

Daso stated, “Upon receipt of the report, the command immediately commenced an investigation through the State Criminal Investigation Department on the allegation.

“Contrary to claims circulating on social media that the suspect was apprehended and subsequently released by the police, the command wishes to set the record straight that no arrest has been made in respect of this case.

“The suspect is currently at large, while intensive efforts are ongoing to apprehend him. The command has engaged community leaders, including the Lawan, while the Civilian Joint Task Force has been requested to assist in locating and arresting the fleeing suspect.”

He added that the investigation was carried out under appropriate supervision, while opportunities were given to human rights groups to monitor the process of the investigation.

The PPRO appealed to members of the public with useful information that could aid in the arrest of the fleeing suspect to come forward with such.

“In the interest of transparency, accountability, and public confidence, the investigation is being conducted under appropriate supervision, with room for monitoring and engagement by relevant civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the National Human Rights Commission, in line with established procedures.

“The command appeals to members of the public who may have credible information on the whereabouts of the suspect to promptly report to the nearest police station or assist in ensuring his arrest and handover to the police for further action. Further updates will be communicated as developments unfold,” Daso concluded.

PUNCH Metro reported on Tuesday that the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps arrested a 28-year-old man, Olapade Ifeoluwa, on the allegation of raping a seven-year-old girl.

The corps’ Head of Communications, Adeleye Adewale, had stated that the suspect was nabbed at Ilawe Ekiti in the Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area for alleged involvement in the rape of the seven-year-old.