By The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, identified as “Abule,” for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old street hawker in the Araromi area of Eyin Grammar, Molete, Ibadan.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the victim was hawking snacks when she encountered the suspect. He reportedly lured her into an uncompleted building under the guise of paying for the goods she was selling during which he forced his way through her.
“The Oyo State Police Command, in its continuous drive to rid the state of targeted crime, crimes of passion, and gender-based violence, has arrested a 35-year-old suspect identified only as ‘Abule’ for the offence of defilement. The suspect was apprehended following a report involving a 12-year-old girl who was hawking snacks in the Araromi area of Eyin Grammar, Molete, Ibadan.
“It was reported that while the child was attempting to collect payment for goods sold, the suspect took advantage of her by luring her into an uncompleted building where he had unlawful carnal knowledge of her,” the statement reads.
DSP Olayinka noted that the DPO of Sanyo acted promptly on the report, dispatching detectives to the scene. The victim was rescued and immediately taken for medical examination and treatment.
Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police has instructed that the case be handled by the Command’s Gender Department for further investigation while the suspect remains in custody. The Commissioner issued a stern warning that perpetrators of such heinous crimes against women and the vulnerable will be held accountable.
“While the suspect remains in custody, the Commissioner of Police wishes to reassure members of the public that crimes against women and the vulnerable will not thrive in the state, as the Command remains resolute in ensuring that any perpetrator of such heinous acts will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and to report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station or security post.
