The Nigeria Police Force has filed a nine-count criminal charge against former Adamawa North senator, Elisha Abbo, accusing him of raping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old schoolgirl in Abuja.
According to a report by People’s Gazette, the charges were lodged at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on October 30, following a detailed police investigation into the disturbing allegations.
The Inspector General of Police’s legal team filed the charges, which border on rape, sexual molestation, and other offences involving a minor. Abbo, who was removed from the Senate by the Court of Appeal in October 2023, now faces a fresh legal battle that could determine his future freedom.
The alleged victim, a Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) student, told investigators that she was lured from her home in Gwarimpa by her elder sister’s friend, Nafisa Chigli, who persuaded her to accompany her to a relative’s house.
READ ALSO: Senator Natasha Accuses Senate President Akpabio Of Sexual Harassment
They reportedly took a ride to Katampe Extension, where they were received by Mr. Abbo. According to the girl, the former senator confiscated their phones and asked Miss Chigli to leave the room, after which he allegedly molested her.
In her testimony, the girl said Abbo forcefully undressed her, ignoring her repeated pleas to stop, and threatened to harm her if she resisted. She recounted that he whispered strange words, forced himself on her, and later warned her not to tell anyone or risk being killed along with her family.
Her account formed a major part of the police evidence, leading to the criminal charges filed against the former lawmaker.
In his response, Elisha Abbo denied the accusations, insisting that the girl visited his home briefly with a relative and that no sexual contact occurred.
He admitted to transferring ₦50,000 to the minor “for ice cream” and another ₦200,000 for her birthday celebration but claimed these were acts of kindness.
The former senator also accused the girl and Miss Chigli of stealing his wife’s gold earrings and necklace, which he reported to Dawaki Police Station on July 16. Both girls denied the theft.
Abbo further alleged that the victim’s mother, Zainab Mohammed, later demanded ₦5 million to stop making what he called “false claims.” He said he refused to pay, arguing that doing so would amount to admitting guilt.
Following the complaint, the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) examined Abbo’s Tecno Spark 40 phone, along with the phones of Miss Chigli and her mother.
While investigators found adult content on Abbo’s phone, none of it was linked to the minor. The FCID said the girl’s mother refused to submit her daughter’s phone for forensic analysis.
READ ALSO: Senator’s Allowance: N29 Million Only Looks Big On Paper – Says Senator Abbo
In a report signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Rita Emesim Oyintare, the police stated:
“There is a need to test this case in the court of law, as this will go a long way to satisfy the curiosity of the society.”
One of the nine counts reads:
“That you, Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo of Katampe Extension, Abuja, on or about 29th June 2025, did an illegal act, to wit: threat to life, when you threatened one and raped her without her consent.”
The case is expected to come up for hearing soon at the High Court of the FCT, Abuja, where the former senator will be required to enter a plea.
Abbo, who previously made national headlines in 2019 for assaulting a woman at a sex toy shop in Abuja, insists he is innocent and says the latest accusations are politically motivated.
If convicted, the ex-lawmaker could face life imprisonment under Nigeria’s Child Rights Act and Sexual Offences laws.