Bauchi Police Arrest Teacher for Brutal Assault on 11-Year-Old Almajiri Pupil

Police in Bauchi State have arrested a 28-year-old teacher accused of brutally assaulting and unlawfully confining an 11-year-old Almajiri pupil in Darazo Local Government Area.

The suspect, identified as Lawal Nasiru of Unguwar Jarmai, allegedly tied the child, Sani Abdullahi, with a heavy rope and flogged him repeatedly with a thick cable and a stick.

The incident, which occurred on 21 September, left the boy with severe injuries to his hands and legs. He was later taken to Darazo General Hospital for treatment.

Police Statement

Bauchi State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday. He said the case was first reported by Idris Mohammed of Gidan Waya, a social welfare officer in the area, on 22 September.

The Divisional Police Officer of Darazo, SP Auwalu Ilu, led the team that apprehended the suspect.

During interrogation, Nasiru admitted tying up the boy but claimed it was to prevent him from absconding from the Tsangaya school before his parents arrived. The victim, however, told police he had been mercilessly confined and beaten without justification.

CP Orders Full Investigation

Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further probe.

The police assured that the suspect will be profiled and charged to court after investigations are concluded.

The case has once again spotlighted the plight of vulnerable Almajiri children across northern Nigeria, where rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about abuse, neglect, and lack of protection.