The Ondo State Police Command on Thursday disclosed it had arrested one Chief Adeniyi Ifedayo for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl in the Laaagba community in the Ondo East Local Government Area of the state.
Ifedayo, the community’s traditional ruler, was accused of luring the girl into his house and keeping her there for two weeks, where he allegedly sexually harassed her.
According to a source, the victim was allegedly lured to the traditional ruler’s house by a yet-to-be-identified commercial motorbike rider in the community.
The suspect allegedly kept her in his house for two weeks and fed her pap while sexually assaulting her on a daily basis.
Mr Olayinka Ayanlade, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, verified the suspect’s arrest and stated that the matter had been passed to the command’s state headquarters.
He simply stated, ”The case has been transferred to the headquarters, and a thorough investigation is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists issued a statement condemning the suspect’s alleged sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl.
In a statement published by the group’s chairperson and secretary, Mrs Tola Gbadamosi and Tosin Ighoteguono, respectively, the organisation asked the state government and security services to guarantee the suspect meets the full weight of the law.
The statement read, “The association demands transparency and accountability in the investigation and prosecution of the case and stands with the victim and her family, urging them to cooperate fully with the authorities. NAWOJ has also called on parents, guardians, and communities to be vigilant in protecting children from abuse and exploitation.”
The association stressed the need for the government to strengthen laws and policies that safeguard children’s rights and hold perpetrators accountable.
“The association’s demands for justice and accountability in this case highlight the need for a swift and decisive response to protect the rights and dignity of the child.”
