Niger State Police Command, has said that , Ladan Yanegi Kashikoko a suspected serial rapist, was only released because he appeared ill and was taken to a hospital for care while the investigation and monitoring were ongoing.
THE QUEST TIMES had earlier reported the violent rape of a 16-year-old girl by a council member of Niger State’s Lavun Local Government Area, with the assistance of four other men.
The father of the victim, Mallam Ibrahim Anfani claimed that while two of the guys restrained Husaina’s hands and legs, the other two beat, shoved her to the ground, and savagely raped her. She suffered severe injuries and trauma as a result, necessitating her hospitalisation at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida.
He further alleged that two of the suspected rapist were released on bail after paying the sum of 1.6 million naira while one of the suspects was left in jail until recently released.
The four suspected rapists are, Alhaji Isah Kudu Kachikoko, Kabiru Yatwuya and Alhaji Nasiru Kashikoko
However, the Niger State Command spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun swift reaction denied releasing the suspects.
The claim of their release had been described by Abiodun as anguish of a loving parent.
The police told THE QUEST TIMES that the first suspect was only released because he seemed unwell and was transported to a hospital for treatment while the investigation and monitoring were going on.
However, “On 06/06/2023 at about 1000hrs, the sick suspect was brought back and all the four suspects were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Minna, and the case was later referred to Magistrate Court II Bida for prosecution.”
“In the course investigation, the victim revealed that she was beaten by the third and fourth suspects, while the first and second suspects allegedly had carnal knowledge of her,” the police confirmed.
“Therefore, the prosecution of the suspects is ongoing and justice will definitely be served,” police added.
The victim’s representative, Barrister Iliyasu, confirmed to THE QUEST TIMES that the four suspects were being held at the Bida Correctional Center as of the time of writing this report.