The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old security guard, Godwin Dauda, in connection with the alleged rape and death of an 11-year-old girl in Suleja.
The victim, identified as Christabel Albert, was reported missing on September 20, 2026, after leaving her home the previous day to attend a relative’s birthday celebration.
The case took a tragic turn after a pastor at the Apostolic Church in Suleja reported the discovery of a body inside a well on the church premises.
Police officers, assisted by local government welfare officials, recovered the body and transported it to General Hospital, Suleja. It was subsequently identified as that of the missing girl.
Security Guard Arrested
According to the police, investigators began to suspect Dauda, who worked as a security guard at the church, after discovering that he had allegedly left the premises following the incident.
The suspect reportedly fled to the Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory, where police eventually arrested him on September 23 at about 8 p.m.
The Niger State Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrest and said preliminary investigations were ongoing.
Police said that during questioning, Dauda allegedly confessed to luring the girl into his security room at the church on September 19. The police further alleged that he raped her, resulting in her death, before placing her body inside the well in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Investigation Underway
Abiodun said the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further investigation and prosecution.
The police said investigations would continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the girl’s death and ensure that appropriate legal procedures are followed.
The incident has drawn attention to the need for stronger protection of children and improved safeguarding measures around places where minors may be exposed to adults in positions of trust.
