An arrest has been made by the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC. The suspect, a 19-year-old boy named Jamiu Akande, is accused of raping a 9-year-old girl in Pakata Area, Ilorin, the capital city of the state.
Reportedly, the case was brought to light on the evening of April 16, 2024, at around 20:30hrs. The report was filed to the gender unit of the command by Alhaja Yusuf Mariam Joke, the Director of Child Ministry of Women Affairs, in response to a distress call from Babareke House, Ipata Oloje Area in Ilorin, as confirmed by the command’s spokesperson, Ayoola Michael Shola.
After receiving the report, the command acted promptly and was able to apprehend the suspect with diligent efforts from its officers. Investigations indicate that the suspect had been visiting the victim’s residence frequently under the pretense of seeing a friend, thus gaining access to the victim.
He took advantage of the situation by luring the victim to an unfinished building on the 1st of December 2023 where he sexually assaulted her. Furthermore, on April 16, 2024, he sent her to purchase bread for him before leading her to a rundown building where he subjected her to further sexual abuse.
The victim disclosed that the suspect had been sexually assaulting her since December 2023. The suspect, who admitted to the crime, is set to face prosecution in a competent court, as stated by the spokesperson.
Expressing great dismay at the rising cases of rape and defilement of minors, the Corps Commandant, Umar Muhammed, emphasized severe punishment for offenders. He also advised parents and guardians to be vigilant and ensure that their children are always under close supervision.