The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a suspected loan shark accused of abducting, sexually assaulting and filming a nursing mother after she struggled to meet a loan repayment obligation, police said.
The suspect, identified as Ahmed Usman, was apprehended following a complaint filed at the Lugbe Police Division. According to FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the case was reported after the victim allegedly became the target of intimidation and violence linked to a N600,000 loan she had obtained from the suspect.
Police investigations revealed that the woman, described as a nursing mother, had been making weekly payments on the loan but encountered financial difficulties after her business sales declined. She was reportedly unable to make a full repayment and approached the lender with the amount she could raise at the time.
Related News
Rather than resolving the issue peacefully, the suspect allegedly forced the woman into his vehicle, threatened her and drove her to a secluded location in Lugbe, where the assault took place. Police also alleged that the suspect later demanded payment under threats, prompting the victim to transfer money before reporting the incident.
The case has drawn attention to the risks faced by vulnerable borrowers who rely on informal lending arrangements. Adeh alleged that the suspect targeted widows and other vulnerable women, offering loans while imposing steep weekly interest payments.
During a public parade organised by the command, the suspect admitted to lending the woman the money and acknowledged recording her in a compromising state after she defaulted on repayment. He also admitted to having sexual contact with the victim, according to a video shared by the police.
Related News
Police further disclosed that the suspect attempted to evade arrest and briefly drove away with an officer during the operation before he was eventually apprehended.
The suspect, who said he is married with six children, appealed for forgiveness while speaking to journalists.
Authorities say investigations are continuing, while the police have reassured residents of their commitment to protecting victims of exploitation and bringing offenders to justice.
