Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old man identified as Godwin for allegedly defiling two minor girls aged 11 and 13 in Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area. The arrest was made on Monday at the suspect's residence following a formal complaint lodged by the parents of the victims, police sources confirmed.
Alleged Modus Operandi
According to the father of the older minor, Cletus, the suspect would send the two children on an errand and then invite them into his room upon their return. “Then he (suspect) will lock the door, turn up the volume of his music and sexually assault the children,” Cletus alleged. He further stated that after the assault, Godwin threatened to deal severely with the girls if they disclosed the incident.
Police Confirmation and Investigation
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the arrest on Thursday, stating that the suspect is in police custody. “Yes, I can confirm the arrest of the suspect. He is in our custody. However, the police issued a medical form to enable the girls to go for examination,” Agabe said. She noted that the police are awaiting the medical results to determine if penetration occurred. “As I speak to you, we are still waiting for the results because it will show if there was penetration and so on. If that happens, then we (police) will transfer the case to the appropriate bureau. So, we are still investigating, and the form we have issued is part of that investigation.”
Impact and Legal Context
Defilement of minors is a serious offense under Nigerian law, carrying severe penalties including life imprisonment. The case has drawn attention to the prevalence of child sexual abuse in the region, with advocacy groups calling for swift justice and stronger protective measures for children. The victims, aged 11 and 13, are receiving support from their families as the investigation proceeds.
The Rivers State Police Command has urged anyone with information about similar cases to come forward, reaffirming its commitment to protecting children from abuse. The suspect remains in custody pending further investigation and potential prosecution.
