BENIN CITY, NIGERIA — The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 57-year-old man, Kadiri Edenokun, for allegedly defiling his six-year-old stepdaughter multiple times in Jattu, Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday following a report by the victim’s mother, who discovered that her daughter had been sexually abused. According to police sources, the victim’s mother noticed unusual behaviour in her daughter and upon questioning, the child revealed that her stepfather had been abusing her.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday. He said the suspect had been taken into custody and was assisting the police with their investigation.
“The Edo State Police Command has arrested one Kadiri Edenokun, aged 57, for the alleged defilement of his six-year-old stepdaughter. The suspect was arrested following a complaint by the victim’s mother. The victim has been taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment,” Nwabuzor stated.
The police spokesperson said the case had been transferred to the Family Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. He said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The victim’s mother, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, said she had noticed changes in her daughter’s behaviour, including withdrawal and fear of being alone with the suspect. She said when she questioned her daughter, the child broke down and revealed what had been happening.
“I noticed that my daughter was always afraid and did not want to be left alone with him. When I asked her what was wrong, she told me what he had been doing to her. I was devastated. I reported the matter to the police immediately,” she said.
The victim has been taken to a hospital for medical examination and is receiving counselling and support. The police have assured that the suspect will face the full weight of the law if found guilty.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with residents calling for swift justice. The Chairman of the Jattu community, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, condemned the act, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.” He called on the police to ensure that the suspect is prosecuted and punished.
“This is a heinous crime. We will not tolerate such behaviour in our community. We urge the police to ensure that justice is served,” Musa said.
Child rights advocates have also condemned the incident, calling for stronger measures to protect children from sexual abuse. The Executive Director of the Edo State Child Protection Network, Mrs. Osaretin Ogbebor, said the case highlighted the need for increased awareness and vigilance in communities.
“We must all be vigilant and report any suspected cases of child abuse to the authorities. Children are our future, and we must protect them from predators,” she said.
The Edo State Government has also condemned the incident and vowed to support the prosecution of the suspect. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Bisi Idaomi, said the government would provide support to the victim and her family.
“This is a tragic case, and we will do everything possible to ensure that justice is served. We will also provide counselling and support to the victim and her family,” Idaomi said.
As the investigation continues, residents of Jattu are calling for increased police presence and community vigilance to protect children from abuse. The suspect remains in custody, and the police have assured the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. For now, the community waits for justice to take its course, while the victim begins her journey toward healing and recovery.
