The Nigeria Police has cleared Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo of an alleged rape accusation made against him last year.
The investigators, however, suggested that “there is the need to test this case in court as this will go a long way to satisfy the curiosity of the society.”
The case followed a petition submitted last September to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) by Mrs. Zainab Mohammed, who alleged that the senator raped Khadija Mohammed at his residence in Katampe Extension, Abuja, on June 29, 2025.
Police findings, however, concluded that the essential elements required to establish the offence of rape were lacking, largely due to inconsistencies, delay in reporting, and the absence of corroborative medical and forensic evidence.
A confidential investigation report dated last October 23, and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Oki Rita Oyintare of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), stated that the IG had directed four specialised units – the FCID Gender Unit, National Cybercrime Centre, Intelligence Tactical Unit (ITU), and Police Medical Unit – to probe the allegation.
According to the report, the alleged incident was said to have occurred between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
However, the case was not reported to the police until September 15, 2025, nearly three months later.
The report noted: “After an extensive investigation in this case, it was discovered that the essential elements of this offence are lacking as a result of the time frame between the date of the commission of the alleged offence and the time it was reported for police investigation.
“Nevertheless, there is a need to test this case in court of law as this will go a long way to satisfy the curiosity of the society.
“It is suggested that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the Legal and Prosecution Department for vetting and advice. Above is respectfully forwarded for the DIG Force CID information, consideration and approval, please.”
It added that the execution of a search warrant and examination of the alleged crime scene were carried out on October 3, 2025, but “all ingredients to support the offence were not seen probably because of the time frame from June 29, 2025 to October 3, 2025.”
Medical evidence also weighed heavily in the police conclusion. The report revealed that Khadija was taken to Deda Hospital on July 10, 2025, where a medical examination conducted the following day showed that her hymen was intact.
“The medical report from Deda Hospital dated July 11, 2025 indicates that the survivor’s hymen was not breached, meaning the alleged victim is still a virgin as of July 10, 2025, about 11 days after the alleged rape,” the police stated.
The report said further findings showed that screening tests for hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and HIV were all negative.
The police also cited the failure of the complainant to preserve or submit a mobile phone allegedly containing vital evidence for forensic analysis, noting that the phone was later flashed, erasing any potential data.
Witness accounts further weakened the allegation. The report said Patience Jesse, identified as the security personnel who opened the gate for the visitors on the day in question, did not witness any rape.
It also stated that only Abbo, the security man, and Nafisa Mohammed were present in the house at the time, and all denied that any sexual assault occurred.
Investigators also noted that Senator Abbo had earlier accused Khadija Mohammed and Nafisa Mohammed Chigli of stealing his wife’s gold jewellery, a matter he reported at Dawaki Police Station on July 16, 2025.
Concluding the investigation, the police stated: “Nothing incriminating was found during the visit to the scene of the alleged crime and execution of search in the house and premises of the suspect.”
Abbo declined detailed comment, saying he would leave the matter to divine judgment.
“God will expose all evil plans against me and reward the doers according to their deeds,” he said.
Abbo, who represented Adamawa North Senatorial District in the ninth Senate had previously been involved in high-profile controversies, including past legal and public disputes that attracted national attention.
The rape allegation, filed in 2025, generated media interest due to his political status, prompting the IGP to order a investigation involving multiple police units before the eventual decision to clear him of the claim.
