Rivers police arrest 50-year-old man over alleged defilement of two minors

Rivers police arrest 50-year-old man over alleged defilement of two minors

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old man, identified as Godwin, over the alleged defilement of two minors in Ogale community, Eleme Local Government Area of the state.

The minors, aged 13 and 11, were reportedly referred for medical examination as part of the ongoing police investigation.

The suspect was arrested on Monday by operatives of the Eleme Police Division after the parents of the two girls lodged a formal complaint with the police.

A relative of one of the minors, identified as Cletus, alleged that the suspect used errands to gain access to the children.

According to him, the suspect would allegedly send the girls to purchase items and invite them into his room when they returned.

Cletus further alleged that the suspect would lock the door and increase the volume of music playing in the room before carrying out the alleged acts.

He also claimed that the girls were threatened and warned not to disclose what had allegedly happened to them.

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The allegations have not been proven in court, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, said the suspect was in police custody and that investigations were ongoing.

Agabe said the police had issued medical forms to the parents of the minors to enable the girls to undergo medical examinations.

She explained that the medical findings would assist investigators in determining relevant facts and the appropriate next steps in the case.

“Yes, I can confirm the arrest of the suspect. He is in our custody,” Agabe said.

“However, the police issued a medical form to allow the girls to undergo an examination.”

The police spokesperson added that investigators were awaiting the medical reports, noting that the results would form part of the evidence being considered in the case.

She said the investigation was still ongoing and that the medical examinations were an important part of the process.

The case has renewed concerns about the protection of children and the need for parents, guardians, schools, community leaders and relevant authorities to respond promptly to reports of suspected sexual abuse.

Child-protection advocates have continued to call for timely reporting, professional medical care, appropriate psychosocial support and thorough investigations in cases involving minors.

The police are expected to determine the next course of action after reviewing the medical findings and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Police Command had not announced the conclusion of the investigation or stated whether the suspect would be charged.

Rivers police arrest 50-year-old man over alleged defilement of two minors