In the dusty compounds of Mashegu Local Government Area, where extended families live under one roof and children are often left in the care of grandparents, 14-year-old Hadiza’s childhood ended long before she understood what it meant to be a child.
She has lived in her maternal grandfather’s household since she was two. The man she calls “grandpa”, 75-year-old Malam Musa Gado, is not just the patriarch of a sprawling family of four wives and roughly 40 grandchildren, he is also the man who arranged the marriage of her mother. For more than a decade, Hadiza’s world was bounded by his compound walls. But that world collapsed during the holy month of Ramadan last year. In a low, trembling voice captured in an interview that has now circulated on Crusaders Radio in Minna, Hadiza recalled how Malam Musa began to isolate her.
“He called me away from where I usually stayed by my mother’s side, saying it is better I stayed where he was,” she said. What followed, she alleged, was repeated sexual abuse that continued until she became pregnant. When the pregnancy could no longer be hidden as she was about seven months gone, the cover-up efforts began, she disclosed.
An impeccable source disclosed to Ayemafuge that Malam Musa attempted to terminate abortion when he took Hadiza out of the village to an undisclosed facility. There, she was given injections and pills meant to terminate the pregnancy. She recalled experiencing violent shaking, heavy bleeding and pains so severe that she thought she would die. The procedure failed and the baby survived.
Then came the frame-up. According to an eye witness who explained to our correspondent “Malam Musa allegedly pointed accusing finger at a marginalised local boy, claiming he was responsible for the pregnancy but Hadiza responded and said she did not even know the boy and had never met him in her life.” The witness reported.
When that story collapsed, money changed hands in the sum of N2 million, she claimed, paid to local officials to kill the case and silence any investigation. Yet the girl refused to be silenced.
Bringing up the matter made a human rights group in Minna, which holds a programme called ‘Crusaders’ on Prestige FM in Minna, the state Child Rights Agency and the Nigerian Police, took up the matter. The grandfather, Malam Musa, was summoned but he denied everything.
Confronted with the impossibility of proving or disproving paternity through words alone, all parties agreed to a DNA test. The results, released in March, were unequivocal: Malam Musa Gado is the biological father of the child Hadiza carried as the result of the test showed the probability of paternity to be 99.9999 per cent.
The baby, a boy named Muhammad, is now about one month old. Hadiza, still a child herself, sits beside him in the same compound where the abuse occurred. In the interview, she speaks with a mixture of exhaustion and quiet defiance, expressing deep remorse for the nightmare she has lived through, not because she feels responsible, but because of the weight of what happened to her body and her future is already crushing.
The Child Rights Agency and police are now involved in the case, and every attempt to cover it up is being aborted, especially as the DNA evidence has removed the last fig leaf of denial.
Director-General of the Niger State Child Rights Agency, Barrister Uma Kaltume Mohammed, who spoke with Ayemafuge, confirmed the incident, saying that investigation was still ongoing and she would brief the media when all investigation was concluded. She described the case as a delicate one, adding that it was being treated as such. But questions people are still asking include how many other girls or granddaughters have Mallam Musa violated the same way and are forced to remain silent? How many forced abortion attempts or N2 million bribes have succeeded where this one failed?
Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003 is clear: sexual abuse of a minor is a serious offence, and incest carries even stiffer penalties. Yet enforcement in rural local government areas often depends on the persistence of victims and the bravery of a handful of journalists and activists.
For Hadiza, she wants the government and security agencies to take over and ensure the man who raised her from infancy and took away her innocence is held accountable.
Hadiza awaits justice as she cradles one-month-old Muhammad, the infant who is both her son and her brother by blood. Meanwhile, the grandfather is in police custody pending the completion of the investigation and when he would be charged to court.
About the author
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Chelle reignites the Super Eagles’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup in Kigali.
On Friday, Eric Chelle became the inaugural non-Nigerian African coach to take the helm of the Super Eagles. The Malian coach directed his first match, resulting in a 2-0 win against Rwanda during a qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took place on January 7, as he replaced Finidi George and succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. Since that time, he has dedicated three months to traveling across Nigeria, observing domestic league matches, and engaging with his players based in Europe. However, his initial team selection remained perplexing. Chelle opted for a highly offensive formation in Kigali, which appeared unbalanced on paper. Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon were all included in the attacking lineup, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi occupied the midfield positions. "I had mixed feelings. […]
Tragedy: Former deputy governor loses two children in accident
The immediate past Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Baba Tela, has lost two of his children, Mustapha and Ummi, in a fatal road accident. Our correspondent in Bauchi reported that the siblings reportedly died on Saturday after the vehicle conveying them was involved in a crash with a long vehicle (Trailer) on the Bauchi–Azare highway while they were returning to Bauchi from Azare, the headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area.They were said to have died on the spot of the accident due to the severity of the impact. Their bodies were later taken to a hospital in Bauchi, where medical personnel confirmed their deaths.Reacting to the tragedy, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, described it as heartbreaking, and extended his condolences to Tela and his family. Mohammed, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar […]
World Cup: Morocco defeats co-host Canada 3-0 to secure a spot in quarter-finals
The Atlas Lions of Morocco on Saturday defeated Canada 3-0 to secure a spot in the World Cup’s quarterfinals. The loss ends a historic run for World Cup co-host Canada, which won its first-ever knockout round with a 1-0 victory over South Africa to reach Saturday’s match. Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring in the 50th minute of the game, giving the fans relief after a very confusing first half that left Moroccans almost depressed.Ounahi also scored a second goal for Morocco in the 82nd minute. Soufiane Rahimi ended the game with a third match in the added time. Exhaustion, as well as pressure from the Canadian team, which had been aggressively attempting to create shocks but not convert its chances.The Moroccan team, however, stood strong and balanced despite the showering of yellow cards by the British match official and […]
Court remands Sowore in Kuje Prison, dismisses recusal request
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday remanded the Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of an application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier court order revoking his bail. The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, also dismissed an application by Sowore seeking his recusal from the case over allegations of bias.In a brief ruling, Justice Umar directed that the defendant remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of a motion for stay of execution filed by his new counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika SAN. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until June 24 for hearing of the application. trending_flat News & Politics Court remands Sowore in Kuje Prison, dismisses recusal request Arthur Iyamore June 22, 2026 trending_flat News Bandit Leader Claims Responsibility for Attacks, Expresses Interest […]
Heavy military casualties in Niger Republic as attacks claim 265 security personnel
No fewer than 265 members of Niger’s Defence and Security Forces (FDS), including senior officers, have reportedly been killed in a series of coordinated attacks across different parts of the country between June 17 and June 19. Our correspondent in Niger Republic reported that according to security sources, one of the deadliest incidents occurred in Inates, where 101 soldiers were reported killed during an attack attributed to fighters of the Islamic State in the Sahel. The Zagazola Makama quoted sources as saying that 52 of the victims had been buried in the Tillabéri Region, while 49 other soldiers who were initially declared missing had subsequently been presumed dead. They added that 20 soldiers were reportedly taken captive during the attack. The security sources further disclosed that the attacks formed part of a broader wave of violence that targeted several military […]
Dangote meets Aiyedatiwa, plans biggest free trade zone in Ondo
The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed plans to develop a large-scale industrial and free trade zone at Olokola in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. He described the development as a power-driven investment hub designed to attract manufacturers and reduce infrastructure constraints for investors.Dangote stated this on Monday during a visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at his office in Akure, the state capital. According to him, the renewed investment framework covers power generation, cement production, gas infrastructure and industrial manufacturing.He said the proposed Olokola project would go beyond a conventional free trade zone, explaining that it would be fully equipped with power, water and logistics infrastructure to enable investors to operate without delays associated with basic utilities.“We want to create the biggest free trade zone where investors can just come and plug in. We will […]
Lagos Deputy Commissioner of Police is dead
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Lagos State Police Command, DCP Khan Salihu is dead. The command’s spokesperson, SP Ambimbola Adebisi disclosed this in a statement.According to the statement, the DCP passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026. Ambimbola described the deceased as a “highly dedicated, disciplined, and committed senior police officer who served the Nigeria Police Force with exceptional professionalism, loyalty, and integrity”. “Throughout his distinguished career, DCP Khan Salihu exemplified diligence, exemplary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to duty. trending_flat News & Politics Lagos Deputy Commissioner of Police is dead Arthur Iyamore June 16, 2026 trending_flat Inside Ondo Teenager Arrested After Alleged Bottle Attack on Boyfriend in Ondo Tosin June 16, 2026 trending_flat Business Dangote Plans Nigeria’s Largest Industrial Zone in Ondo Tosin June 16, 2026 trending_flat Business Ondo Sets Up Committee to […]
Related
U.S carries out 3rd consecutive night strikes against Iran
The United States Central Command(CENTCOM) says it has carried out a third consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran. CENTCOM revealed this in a post on its verified X handle on Monday. “These strikes will continue imposing a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” the post read. The third strikes came after President Donald Trump said in an interview with Hugh Hewitt that there would be more airstrikes against Iran Monday and Tuesday night. He stated that the United States was taking control of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that wealthy countries would pay for US efforts to secure the waterway. Trump alleged that Iranian negotiators were reversing agreements reached during previous talks, warning of further military action if Tehran violated ceasefire commitments. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign […]
Ex-Minister Nnaji, ‘fake agency DG’ Adeyemi for arraignment today, tomorrow
Former Science and Technology Minister, Uche Nnaji and the embattled Director-General (DG) of a ‘non-existent’ Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, are to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja, today and tomorrow. Nnaji will be arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) while Prince Adeyemi will be arraigned before Justice Mohammed Umar on a charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The immediate past minister resigned some months ago after President Bola Tinubu directed him to step down following allegation of his involvement in certificate forgery. He was alleged to have forged the University of Nigeria Degree certificate and that of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC). Details of the charge filed against Nnaji by the ICPC could not be obtained yesterday. Adeyemi is […]
Court gives ‘terrorist group’s boss’ Usman time to decide on not guilty plea
A Federal High Court, Abuja has given a suspected Commander of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, Abubakar Abba (a.k.a. Abu Bara) up till July 20 to decide on whether or not to change his earlier not guilty plea. Abba is being prosecuted along with Mahmud Usman (a.k.a. Isah Adam, Mahmud Al-Nigeri) by the Department of the State Service (DSS) on a 32-count terrorism charge. Our correspondent in Abuja reported that Usman had, during their arraignment earlier this year, pleaded guilty to a count of illegal mining for funding terrorism/arms and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. He pleaded not guilty to the other 31 counts. The co-defendant, Abba pleaded not guilty to all the 32 counts. At yesterday’s hearing, Abba informed the court of his intention to withdraw his earlier not guilty plea. But after a brief consultation with his […]
Tragedy: Former deputy governor loses two children in accident
The immediate past Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Baba Tela, has lost two of his children, Mustapha and Ummi, in a fatal road accident. Our correspondent in Bauchi reported that the siblings reportedly died on Saturday after the vehicle conveying them was involved in a crash with a long vehicle (Trailer) on the Bauchi–Azare highway while they were returning to Bauchi from Azare, the headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area.They were said to have died on the spot of the accident due to the severity of the impact. Their bodies were later taken to a hospital in Bauchi, where medical personnel confirmed their deaths.Reacting to the tragedy, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, described it as heartbreaking, and extended his condolences to Tela and his family. Mohammed, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar […]
Ondo APC Group Rejects NWC Candidates’ List, Alleges Alteration of Primary Results
A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has rejected the candidates’ list released by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), alleging that the outcome of the party’s primary election was altered. The aggrieved members claimed that the list did not accurately reflect the results produced during the primary election and called on the party leadership to review the process. According to the group, the published list differs from the names of candidates they believe legitimately emerged from the primary, raising concerns about the credibility and transparency of the selection process. The members urged the APC National Working Committee to investigate the allegations and ensure that only candidates who genuinely won the primaries are recognized. They maintained that internal party processes should be conducted fairly and in accordance with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines. The development […]
Former OGTV Staff Murder: Ogun Police Arrest Alleged Mastermind, Two Accomplices
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of former OGTV staff member, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo. The suspects reportedly confessed to carrying out the gruesome killings over claims of poor remuneration.Speaking during a media briefing at the Ogun State Police Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that the principal suspect, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, a former security guard employed by the deceased, confessed that he planned with two accomplices, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, and Sobu Obafunsho to execute the crime.According to the Police Commissioner, the suspects told Police investigators that they murdered Mrs. Oyesiku to “teach her a lesson” over what they described as inadequate pay. Ojajuni said the suspects were apprehended through intensive intelligence gathering, technical tracking, and painstaking investigations. He added that […]
Be the first to leave a comment