Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja — The Nigeria Police Force has formally cleared former Adamawa North Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo of a widely publicised rape allegation following an exhaustive inquiry by multiple police units, reaffirming that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the claim. The announcement brings closure to a case that drew significant public attention and debate since it first emerged in 2025.
The investigation was launched under direct orders from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) after a petition was filed by Mrs. Zainab Mohammed, who alleged that her daughter, Khadija Mohammed, was raped at Abbo’s residence in Katampe Extension, Abuja on June 29, 2025. The complaint triggered widespread scrutiny and calls for accountability, prompting the police to assign the matter to a coordinated team of specialised units to ensure a thorough and fair process.
In conducting the inquiry, the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) worked alongside the National Cybercrime Centre, the Intelligence Tactical Unit (ITU), and the Police Medical Unit, employing both traditional investigative methods and scientific procedures in line with established protocols. Throughout the process, authorities emphasised the importance of balancing the need for justice with respect for legal standards of evidence and due process.
Findings from the police investigation revealed key factors that ultimately led to Abbo’s exoneration: according to law enforcement reports, the essential elements necessary to establish the offence of rape were not met. Investigators found no credible evidence to support the allegation, noting that the case was reported to the authorities several months after the alleged incident. Police said this delay severely hampered efforts to preserve and collect forensic evidence that could have been critical to the case, a point that was highlighted during media briefings.
Medical evaluation formed a central part of the inquiry. The Police Medical Unit conducted an examination as part of the investigative process. Reports indicate that the results showed the alleged victim’s hymen was intact, and tests for sexually transmitted infections returned negative — outcomes that investigators said did not align with findings consistent with sexual assault. In addition, a search of Abbo’s residence on October 3, 2025, executed under a valid warrant, did not produce any physical evidence linking him to the offence.
Following the conclusion of the probe, police officials reiterated that the determination was made strictly on the basis of evidence, or the lack thereof, emphasising that allegations must be supported by credible and admissible proof for prosecution to proceed. They said that while sexual offence cases must be treated with the utmost seriousness, the justice system equally demands adherence to principles that protect both complainants and accused persons under the law.
In a brief response following the police clearance, Abbo declined to engage extensively with the media but expressed gratitude and faith in the outcome, stating: “God will expose all evil plans against me and reward the doers according to their deeds.” His statement, while short, underscored a sense of vindication and relief for the former senator and his supporters.
Abbo, who served as the senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, has previously been a figure in national discourse, including involvement in other political controversies during his career. However, with the police’s formal declaration closing the rape allegation, legal avenues tied to this specific case have now been concluded unless new and credible evidence comes to light.
The resolution of the matter highlights ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in handling sexual offence allegations — including issues related to delayed reporting, evidence preservation and the application of forensic science — while also underscoring the judiciary’s mandate to base decisions on verifiable facts.
As the police close this chapter of the investigation, attention in public discourse has shifted toward broader conversations on how Nigeria’s criminal justice system addresses sensitive allegations and balances the rights of all parties involved.
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