Former Adamawa North Senator, Ishaku Elisha Abbo, has denied reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets alleging that he was arrested in Abuja over the rape of a 13-year-old girl.
The allegation, which surfaced earlier this week, claimed that the ex-lawmaker was taken into custody by operatives of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) following a complaint by the victim’s mother. However, no official charge sheet or public police statement confirming the arrest has been released as of Friday.
In his response, Abbo described the reports as “false” and “a smear campaign” against his reputation.
He insisted that he was neither arrested nor detained, adding that he would pursue legal action against those spreading the allegation.
“This is a fabricated story. I was never in police custody,” he told journalists in Abuja.
Some news outlets reported that Abbo alleged the complainant had attempted to extort him with a demand for ₦5 million before taking the matter public; a claim that has not been independently verified. The police have yet to comment on this specific allegation.
The case has sparked public attention given Abbo’s political profile and previous controversies. Child rights advocates have urged investigators to handle the case with transparency while protecting the identity of the alleged victim, who is a minor.
Under Nigerian law, rape and sexual offences against minors are serious crimes that carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment in certain cases, depending on the statute applied.
Legal experts note that while the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015 provides a federal framework, the applicable law may depend on the jurisdiction where the alleged incident occurred.
As of press time, police authorities had not issued a formal statement confirming whether the former senator has been interrogated or charged. Efforts by this newspaper to obtain an official response from the FCID were unsuccessful.
The story continues to develop, and further updates will be published as verified information becomes available. Allegations remain unproven until tested and proven in court.
James Nkoyomabasi
Abuja, Nigeria
