Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a 50-year-old man identified simply as Godwin over allegations that he sexually abused two underage girls in Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The suspect was taken into custody by officers attached to the Eleme Police Division on Monday following a formal complaint filed by the parents of the two girls, aged 13 and 11, respectively. The arrest followed preliminary investigations into allegations that the minors had been repeatedly lured into the suspect’s residence under false pretences.
According to the father of the older victim, identified only as Cletus to protect the identities of the children, the suspect allegedly devised a pattern of sending the girls on errands before inviting them into his room upon their return.
He alleged that once the children entered the room, the suspect would lock the door, increase the volume of his music and then sexually assault them. The father further claimed that the girls were threatened with severe consequences if they disclosed the incidents to anyone, a tactic he believes prevented them from speaking out earlier.
The alleged abuse reportedly came to light after the children eventually informed their parents, prompting the family to report the matter to the police. Detectives subsequently launched an investigation and arrested the suspect at his residence.
Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Blessing Agabe, said the suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.
Agabe explained that investigators have issued a medical examination form to enable the two minors undergo forensic evaluation, stressing that the outcome of the medical reports will play a significant role in determining the next stage of the investigation.
She noted that the command is still awaiting the medical findings, which will help establish critical aspects of the allegations, including whether there was penetration. According to her, once the reports are received and reviewed, the matter will be transferred to the appropriate investigative unit if necessary.
The police assured residents that the investigation would be thorough and conducted in accordance with the law, emphasizing that every allegation involving minors is treated with the seriousness it deserves.
Child protection advocates have repeatedly stressed the importance of encouraging children to report abuse without fear of intimidation or retaliation. They also urge parents and guardians to maintain open communication with minors and promptly notify law enforcement agencies whenever abuse is suspected.
Cases involving sexual offences against children continue to attract significant public concern across Nigeria, with security agencies and child rights organisations intensifying campaigns aimed at improving reporting, ensuring proper investigations and securing justice for victims.
The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society and assured the public that anyone found culpable after investigations would face prosecution in line with the law. The suspect remains in custody pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
