A family in Lagos has accused the head of the Igala Community in Lagos, Muhammed Salifu, of sexually abusing their teenage daughter, impregnating her and leaving her with serious medical complications.
The teenager, whose identity is being withheld to protect her privacy, was born in January 2008, according to a report detailing the family’s allegations.
The family said the chief first became involved in the teenager’s life after offering to assist her with tailoring apprenticeship.
According to the teenager’s mother, the relationship took a disturbing turn in December 2023 when the family travelled to Lagos and allegedly accepted accommodation arranged by Salifu ahead of their journey to Kogi State.
The mother alleged that Salifu took her daughter upstairs at a hotel, locked the door and sexually assaulted her.
She further alleged that the teenager later became pregnant and that the family confronted Salifu. A petition submitted to the police reportedly stated that the chief initially denied responsibility but later acknowledged the pregnancy after a medical examination.
The family said the teenager eventually gave birth through a Caesarean section, but the newborn died after seven days.
They also alleged that the teenager suffered further complications following the delivery, with her mother claiming that her daughter’s reproductive health was seriously affected.
The matter has been reported to the police and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
A referral letter from the agency reportedly urged the police to investigate allegations including defilement and indecent treatment of a child.
Police sources cited in the report said Salifu had not been arrested and remained at large.
Salifu, however, denied the allegations as presented by the family. He told reporters that he had intended to marry the girl and suggested that the matter was connected to a dispute over community leadership. He also disputed the age given for the teenager.
The allegations have not been determined by a court.
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