Lagos police hunt Igala chief for alleged teenage defilement

Lagos State Police have launched a manhunt for 58-year-old Muhammed Salifu, the head of the Igala community in Lagos, following allegations of defiling a 15-year-old girl in December 2023.

The victim’s mother, Elizabeth Yakubu, stated that the suspect used his position of trust to facilitate the incident at a hotel in the Ojota area. The family reported that Salifu had previously offered to support the teenager’s tailoring apprenticeship. During the incident, the suspect allegedly threatened the victim to ensure her silence and later offered money to arrange an abortion.

The pregnancy resulted in severe medical complications, including uterine damage to the victim. A newborn child, born via emergency Caesarean section, died seven days after delivery due to complications.