Abuja — November 10, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
The Nigeria Police Force has filed a nine-count criminal charge against former Adamawa North lawmaker, Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo, accusing him of raping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old secondary-school girl at his Abuja residence.
According to police filings seen by Sahara Reporters, the charges were lodged on October 30, 2025, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The case follows a months-long investigation into a petition submitted by the victim’s family after the alleged assault on June 29, 2025, in the Katampe Extension area of the capital.
The charge sheet details multiple offences, including rape, sexual molestation, criminal intimidation, and threats to life, all contrary to the provisions of Nigeria’s Criminal Code and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
Police sources said the incident came to light after the girl’s parents reported that their 13-year-old daughter, a Junior Secondary School 3 student, had been lured to the former senator’s residence by an older female friend. The minor allegedly recounted that she was assaulted in a guest room and warned not to tell anyone, under threat of violence to her family.
The family, represented by legal firm D.I. Aiyedun & Co., petitioned the police and demanded immediate prosecution. Investigators at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) conducted searches at Abbo’s Katampe home, collecting evidence and interviewing domestic staff. A forensic examination of the victim and her digital devices was also initiated.
In its preliminary findings, the police declared that “sufficient evidence exists to test the case in court,” leading to the formal filing of the nine-count charge.
The embattled former senator has denied all allegations, describing the rape charge as a “fabricated political blackmail” and claiming that the victim’s family had tried to extort him of ₦5 million. He said he had instead reported the family for alleged theft of his wife’s jewellery — a counter-complaint that police confirmed they are also reviewing.
In a statement through his legal team, Abbo maintained his innocence, saying:
“This is an orchestrated attempt to destroy my image and my political career. I am confident that the truth will prevail in court.”
This is not the first time the ex-lawmaker has been embroiled in controversy. In 2019, Abbo was caught on camera assaulting a woman in an Abuja adult-toy shop, a viral incident that drew widespread outrage and led to a public apology. Critics say the new case, if proven, would cement his record as one of the most controversial public figures to emerge from Adamawa politics.
Civil-society organisations and child-rights advocates have called for an open and transparent trial, stressing that the state must protect the 13-year-old from intimidation and secondary trauma.
“This case will test Nigeria’s commitment to justice for minors and accountability for powerful individuals,” said a spokesperson for the Advocacy Centre for Children’s Rights, in a statement on Monday.
The case, now before the High Court of the FCT, is expected to proceed to arraignment once the prosecution completes witness preparation. If convicted, the former senator faces up to life imprisonment under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
As of Monday night, Abbo remained free on administrative bail while awaiting a formal court appearance date. The police, meanwhile, have reaffirmed their readiness to pursue the matter “without interference or compromise.”
The alleged victim’s family has requested government protection amid reports of threats and pressure to withdraw the case.
By Dalena Reporters — Abuja Bureau
For verified updates on this case and related judicial proceedings, follow the Dalena Justice Desk.