A suspected loan shark has been arrested by the police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for allegedly sexually assaulting a nursing mother, recording her naked and threatening to kill her over a N600,000 debt.
The suspect, identified as Ahmed Usman, reportedly admitted to the allegations while being questioned by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in a video released on Wednesday.
Adeh said the suspect allegedly specialised in giving loans to widows and financially disadvantaged women, imposing weekly interest payments and resorting to threats when borrowers failed to meet repayment terms.
According to her, the victim reported the incident at the Lugbe Police Division on November 5.
The police spokesperson explained that Usman had reportedly given the woman a loan of N600,000, with an agreement that she would pay N30,000 weekly as interest.
However, when the nursing mother encountered financial difficulties and could only raise N24,000, she reportedly approached the suspect with the amount.
Adeh alleged that Usman forced the woman into his vehicle, threatened her with a knife and drove her to an isolated location behind the chief’s palace in Lugbe, where he sexually assaulted her and recorded the incident.
The suspect allegedly threatened to kill the victim unless she settled the outstanding payment.
The woman reportedly managed to raise the money and transferred it to him before subsequently approaching the police for assistance.
Adeh further disclosed that police operatives traced the suspect and attempted to arrest him, but he allegedly drove away with a police officer during the operation before he was eventually apprehended.
During questioning, Usman reportedly admitted collecting N30,000 weekly from the woman and acknowledged ordering her to undress before recording her.
He also admitted having sexual intercourse with the victim.
The suspect, who disclosed that he was from Nasarawa State and had six children, pleaded for another opportunity, expressing regret over his alleged actions.
Adeh said investigations were ongoing, adding that the command was working with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in handling the case.
