Police nab monarch for kidnapping, abuse of 12-year-old girl in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command on Thursday said it had arrested a man, Chief Adeniyi Ifedayo, for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl in the Laagba community in Ondo East Local Government Area of the state.
Ifedayo, who was the traditional ruler of the community, was said to have lured the girl into his house in the community and harboured her in the house for two weeks, where he allegedly harassed her sexually.
A source stated that the victim was allegedly lured to the house of the traditional ruler by a yet-to-be-identified commercial motorcycle rider in the community, adding that the suspect allegedly kept her in his house for two weeks and fed her pap, while he assaulted her sexually daily.
Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, adding that the matter had been transferred to the state headquarters of the command.
He said, ”The case has been transferred to the headquarters, and a thorough investigation is ongoing.”
In the meantime, the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in a statement, has condemned the alleged sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl by the suspect.
In the statement issued by the Chairperson and the Secretary of the group, Mrs. Tola Gbadamosi and Tosin Ighoteguono, respectively, the association urged the state government and security agencies to ensure the suspect faces 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 emphasizes 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.”
