Public outrage has trailed the decision of a magistrate court in Minna, Niger State, to grant bail to Usman Haruna Musa, a 23-year-old man who allegedly raped a three-year-old girl.

Musa, who is a neighbour of the victim, allegedly raped the girl after sending her two friends on an errand to grind beans. He was the only adult present in the house at the time.

The incident occurred on February 19, 2026, at about 6:15 pm at Dusten Kura Gwari in Minna.

The victim’s mother said she noticed her daughter walking unusually and asked what happened. The child reportedly said “Baba touched my bombom.” Upon examination, the mother discovered blood and semen on the girl’s pants.

The mother alerted her husband, who immediately contacted the Area Commander of the Dusten Kura Gwari Police Unit. The Divisional Police Officer of GRA Police Station was also informed. The child was taken to the police clinic where medical examination confirmed penetration.

Musa was arrested and reportedly confessed to the crime. On March 6, 2026, he was transferred to the CIB Gender Unit at the Niger State Police Headquarters in Minna for further investigation. He was later arraigned at Magistrate Court 7 and remanded in prison for 27 days.

Court proceedings were stalled by multiple adjournments. On some dates, Musa was not produced in court, while on another, his lawyer was absent. When he was eventually brought to court, his counsel applied for bail on medical grounds. The magistrate granted the bail.

The police have expressed displeasure with the decision. DSP Wasiu Abiodun, Police spokesperson in Niger State, said the case is not bailable, but the court exercised its discretion, adding that the police had carried out their duties diligently.

Gender and girls’ rights advocate, Aisha Wakaso, while speaking on the issue, said she and other advocates have started writing a petition against the magistrate for granting bail to a person who committed a crime that is not bailable. She said the petition would be sent to the Chief Judge of Niger state and the Inspector General of Police.

She called for the rearrest of the suspect saying that he needs to face justice squarely without any favour.

The matter has been adjourned till June 2, 2026, for further hearing. (The Nation)

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