The Osun State Police Command has taken a 50-year-old man into custody in Ilesa for the alleged serial sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl, a neighbour, exploiting her family's vulnerable situation.
How the Crime Was Uncovered
The incident came to light on November 16, 2025, when the victim's mother, a widow, reported the case at the 'C' Divisional Police Headquarters in Ilesa. According to the police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the mother made the discovery while doing laundry, noticing a suspicious whitish substance on her daughter's underwear.
Upon confrontation, the young girl revealed the horrifying truth. She confessed that the suspect, their neighbour, had been having carnal knowledge of her. The police acted swiftly, taking the child for an immediate medical examination at an approved facility.
A Pattern of Exploitation and Abuse
The medical examination confirmed forceful penetration and sexual assault. Shockingly, further investigation revealed this was not an isolated incident. The police stated that the suspect had been defiling the girl since July 2025.
The investigation uncovered a deeply exploitative pattern. The suspect reportedly gave the victim N200 after each assault, allegedly for her to buy food. He preyed on the vulnerable condition of the girl's mother, who has no stable source of livelihood.
The case has been transferred to the Family and Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed investigation. The victim is currently receiving care at a succour centre, where medical personnel also noted she was suffering from malnutrition.
Police Condemnation and Call for Vigilance
The State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has strongly condemned the act. The police command, in its statement, denounced all forms of child abuse, molestation, and exploitation.
The police have issued a stern warning and appeal to parents and guardians across the state:
- To be extremely vigilant about their children's welfare.
- To monitor their associations and physical condition closely.
- To immediately report any suspicious behaviour or signs of abuse to the nearest police station or relevant authorities.
"Together, we can protect our children and uphold justice," the statement concluded, emphasising community role in fighting such crimes.
