The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gwagwalada, arraigned former Adamawa North Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo on Wednesday over the alleged rape of a 13-year-old schoolgirl. Abbo and a co-defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts, and the court granted bail of ₦50 million to Abbo and ₦40 million to the second defendant, each with two sureties of good repute. Abbo was also ordered to surrender his international passport.

The criminal case, filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), stems from allegations that Abbo sexually assaulted the minor on June 29, 2025, at a residence in Katampe Extension. According to the victim, Abbo allegedly collected their phones upon arrival, isolated her, and forcefully undressed and kissed her despite her protests. The co-defendant, an 18-year-old, was allegedly instructed to leave the room during the incident.

The charges, listed under CR/635/25, include rape, sexual molestation, and related offences against a minor. Legal proceedings are scheduled to continue on February 11, 2026.

Abbo, who was previously sacked from the Senate in October 2023, has a history of controversial behavior. In 2019, he was fined ₦50 million for assaulting a woman in Abuja and was later implicated in an attack on a former personal assistant in Mubi, allegedly orchestrated by him.

During the arraignment, objections were raised regarding the appearance of a watching brief by counsel for the nominal complainant, but the court allowed proceedings to continue after cautioning the defense. The prosecution did not oppose bail applications but highlighted a procedural issue concerning late service of documents, which the court noted.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about the accountability of public officials and the protection of minors under Nigerian law.