Police arrest two for defilement in Lagos

Etim Ekpimah

The Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command has arrested two men on suspicion of rape of 16- and 13-years old girls.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, in a statement on Saturday, said there was a case of rape that was reported to the police on 12 March 2024.

He said: “On the 12th of March 2024, at about 10:30 pm, one Nene Badmus ‘f’ reported at the Surulere Divisional Headquarters, Lagos State that on the same day, around 7 pm, she found her daughter, name withheld, 16 years old, lying down by the roadside crying and complaining of abdominal pain while bleeding.

“She questioned her, and the daughter revealed that one Augustine Udeh ‘m’, 33 years defiled her by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her. A team of detectives from the division took the victim to a medical centre for examination and eventually apprehended the suspect.”

Speaking, ACP Adejobi noted that the second rape case was reported to the police Ifako Gbagada Divisional Headquarters, Lagos State around 9 pm.

“In a similar occurrence, on the 23rd of February 2024 at about 11.50 pm, one Adepoju Ifedayo Moses ‘m’ 42 years old, reported at Ifako Gbagada Divisional Headquarters, Lagos State that at about 9 pm of the same day, he had sent his younger sister, name withheld, 13 years old girl, who is an orphan, on an errand but she was accosted by one man, 38 years old, who lured her into his room and defiled her.

“A team of detectives from the division moved to the scene, rescued the victim, and arrested the suspect. A thorough investigation later revealed that it was the same complainant, Adepoju Ifedayo, who is an uncle to the victim, was the one who had defiled the victim earlier that day but instructed the victim to lie against the initial suspect.

“A search was conducted at the complainant’s residence, which led to the discovery of 2 locally made pistols and 3 expended cartridges,” Adejobi said.

According to Adejobi, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has always expressed his displeasure and zero tolerance for such inhuman acts and ordered that perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions, punished accordingly and justice served.

“We must educate the populace about consent, respect, and healthy relationships. By promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and equality, we can prevent instances of rape and defilement from occurring.

“Ending rape and defilement requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. It requires us to speak out against injustice, support and protect survivors, and work towards a future where every individual is free from the threat of sexual harassment and violence.

“Together, we can create a world where rape and defilement are curbed, and our women and child girls and boys can live their lives free from fear, intimidation, and harassment,” Egbetokun stated.