A routine patrol by operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command led to the rescue of a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly being sexually assaulted inside a parked vehicle in Abuja.

The incident reportedly occurred on October 2 at the Airport Bridge Taxi Park, where officers noticed a heavily tinted navy-blue Volkswagen with registration number KMC567LQ parked at the location.

According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the officers became suspicious after observing that the stationary vehicle was shaking despite having its windows wound up.

The officers approached the car and opened it, where they allegedly found a man identified as Zazzayanu Halilu with the minor.

Police said Halilu was immediately arrested, while the girl was removed from the vehicle and placed under protective care.

Preliminary findings reportedly indicated that the suspect had allegedly abused the girl on previous occasions at the same location. Police further alleged that he had threatened the child with harm if she disclosed what had happened.

A medical examination subsequently indicated that the girl was about three months pregnant, which police said was linked to the alleged abuse.

The FCT Police Command said the victim is receiving medical attention and undergoing further assessment, while the suspect remains in custody as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case.

Police said Halilu would be taken to court after the investigation is concluded.