What is Happening in Baze University? 

Reports have emerged that 21-year-old Baze University student Ibrahim Abubakar Khalil is facing accusations of sexual harassment from 15 women. Hadiza Shehu has come forward as a spokesperson, claiming to have gathered testimonies from numerous alleged victims. 

The women who have shared their experiences describe a troubling pattern of manipulation and unwanted sexual advances. University authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations.

A Familiar Pattern of Silence

Ibrahim Khalil, a student at Baze University, described as having a deceptively calm demeanor, stands accused of targeting young women, reportedly minors at the time of the alleged assaults. In an online video, Hadiza Shehu disclosed that she had conversations with seven underage victims and expressed concern about the apparent silence from Khalil’s family and social circle.

Shehu detailed a particularly troubling incident from April involving a young woman at Ann’s restaurant in Wuse, Abuja. According to her account, despite the victim’s clear rejections and attempts to distance herself, Khalil allegedly pursued her into the restroom. Some social media users have corroborated Shehu’s claims and indicated that Khalil remains enrolled at the university.

These allegations evoke comparisons to the sexual assault cases at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) last year, where female students reported multiple assaults by male medical students, a situation that students say ended without appropriate action.

What’s Next?

The situation demands more than just social media awareness. It requires concrete action and accountability. Unlike previous incidents that faded from public attention, these allegations against Ibrahim must be properly investigated and come with consequences.

The troubling nature of these accusations is amplified by the alleged perpetrator’s young age. That such behavior is emerging at just 21 raises urgent concerns about the potential for more victims if left unchecked. This moment presents an opportunity for intervention and rehabilitation before the harm deepens and spreads further.

Parents, school administrators, and proper authorities all have essential roles to play. The school administration must launch a thorough investigation that prioritizes victim safety while ensuring due process. Law enforcement agencies specializing in sexual violence cases should become involved to address both the legal implications and the welfare needs of all involved.

Victim support is paramount. While respecting their privacy, appropriate counseling services and reporting channels must be established where victims can safely share their experiences without fear of retaliation or public exposure.

Baze University needs to demonstrate a commitment to student safety by establishing transparent investigation protocols and clear consequences for sexual misconduct. The pattern of institutional silence that has allowed similar cases to disappear from public consciousness cannot continue. This moment calls for breaking the cycle of impunity and establishing dire consequences for sexual violence.