A 16-year-old girl in Lufari, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State was already about six months pregnant before the case was brought to the attention of authorities.
The matter is currently under investigation over allegations of incest, raising serious child protection concerns within the family.
The suspect, identified as her 64-year-old grandfather, Musa Gado, is presently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
How the case was reported
The incident was initially reported on October 5, 2025, by the victim’s father, Lawali Na’ababa, alongside a community leader.
Speaking during an interview, the Director General of the Niger State Child Rights Agency, Barrister Ulmulkatum Mohammed, explained that the case initially appeared to be a domestic issue before escalating into a criminal matter.
She said the girl was immediately placed in protective custody following the report.
The DG further confirmed that the teenager later gave birth to a baby boy in December 2025.
The victim’s account (as relayed by the DG)
According to the Director General, the victim gave the following account:
“Musa Gado, who is my kaka (grandfather), called me and his daughter into his room and gave me money to buy food. The first time he did it, he told me not to tell anyone. From then on, he kept calling me to his room and I have lost count of how many times it happened.”
The DG said the statement was documented as part of the agency’s case records.
She added that the account indicates repeated occurrences, although the exact number could not be determined.
Allegation of coercion after disclosure
Barrister Mohammed stated that the victim also alleged that after failed attempts to terminate the pregnancy, she was assaulted in a bid to compel her to alter her statement.
According to her, the girl was pressured to assign responsibility to someone else instead of her grandfather.
She noted that this development contributed to the decision by the victim’s father and the community leader to formally report the case.
Allegations within the home
The Director General said the suspect, who reportedly has four wives, allegedly used various pretexts, including giving money for food, to gain access to the girl repeatedly.
She also confirmed that the suspect initially admitted to the allegations during interrogation but later retracted his statement.
Attempts to terminate the pregnancy
The DG disclosed that efforts were made to terminate the pregnancy after it was discovered.
According to her, the girl was taken to a clinic in Konan Mariga, where she received medication and injections, but the attempt did not succeed.
DNA test and dispute
Mohammed said a DNA test was carried out in Gwagwalada to establish paternity.
She explained that the test was financed by the suspect at a cost of N500,000.
The result indicated a 99.99 per cent probability of paternity when opened in the presence of both parties.
The suspect has since rejected the outcome and is preparing to challenge it in court, though no formal suit had been filed as of press time.
Medical outcome and psychological impact
The DG confirmed that the girl was unable to deliver naturally and subsequently underwent a cesarean section, resulting in the birth of a baby boy.
She also disclosed that the victim began experiencing psychological distress after delivery and is currently receiving care and support.
Agency response and pressure on the case
The lawyer stated that the agency remains committed to safeguarding the child and ensuring due process is followed.
She noted that the agency has faced various forms of pressure since the case became public but insisted it would not affect its handling of the investigation.
“Our focus is the protection of the child and ensuring that justice is served. We are receiving all kinds of pressure, but we will continue to do our work,” she said.
Wider context: sexual violence in Nigeria
The case reflects a broader national pattern of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Between 2020 and 2023, the country recorded 27,698 cases of sexual and gender-based violence, according to official figures.
UNICEF has warned that many incidents of child sexual abuse occur within homes and are often under-reported.
Rights groups have also observed that conviction rates remain low despite increasing reports.
Legal position
The State Coordinator of the Legal Aid Council and Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Barrister Bolanle Jibogun, said the DNA findings strengthen the case.
She noted that allegations of incest and rape constitute serious offences under Nigerian law, adding that due legal process must be followed.
“We were praying the result would be negative, but now that it is positive, the law must take its course,” Barrister Jibogun said.
Expert view
A Gender and Women Studies scholar at Newgate University, Minna, Dr. Hope Ajayi, said the situation reflects abuse within a family power structure.
She stressed that consent cannot exist under such conditions and warned of long-term psychological effects on survivors.
“The culprit must be dealt with as long as there is a criminal offence, whether it is the father, grandfather, uncle, or anybody.
“Communities must not look the other way when things are going wrong around them. There should be mandatory channels for people, especially minors, to report when their rights are being trampled,” Ajayi added
Civil society reaction
A civil society advocate, Olasukanmi Kalejaiye, Project Director of Global Promoters for Community Initiatives, said such cases are often concealed until pregnancy forces disclosure.
He noted that delayed reporting remains a major obstacle in addressing sexual violence.
“By the time they come out, the damage is already deep and that is why they need to speak out on time,” he advocated.
Survivor perspective
A survivor, identified as Amaka (not real name), said victims are frequently silenced by fear, stigma, and family pressure.
She explained that many are instructed to keep such incidents private, allowing abuse to persist unchecked.
“It happened to me and today, I have a fifteen year old child for my own father,” the victim disclosed.
She called for stronger listening systems and protective measures for children, stressing that no child should endure such experiences.
Beyond the courtroom
For authorities, the case now proceeds as a matter for criminal prosecution. For advocates, it highlights deeper systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children.
Beyond legal debates and institutional responses lies a harsher reality: a child’s life has been permanently altered.
A DNA result has been confirmed. A child has been born. And while the courts will determine guilt or innocence, the events that have already occurred cannot be undone.
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