The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Command, on Monday, arrested a 51-year-old man, Idowu Mahmud, for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl said to be his wife’s cousin.
According to Punch Newspaper, the sexual assault was alleged to have been perpetrated in November 2023 at Gbaagba area, off Airport Road in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state where the girl resides with Mahmud and her sister.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the corps, Ayoola Michael, noted that Mahmud was arrested on Monday, February 19, 2024, at about 1.35 p.m. following a complaint filed by a complainant (name withheld) at the Gender Unit of NSCDC.
The complainant stated that Mahmud had been sexually assaulting the girl since last year, adding that the victim who is a cousin to the suspect’s wife, has been residing with the couple at the age of 11.
Reporting the case at the command’s headquarters in Ilorin, the statement quoted the complainant as stating that, “The victim said that the suspect has been sexually assaulting her since November 2023, particularly on Sundays when there are no other occupants at home.”
She also stated that the suspect threatened to harm her if she ever disclosed the illicit relationship to anyone.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and will be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction to expedite justice,” Michael, said in a statement released to Journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday.
Commandant Umar Mohammed, who expressed dismay over the increase in cases of rape and defilement of minors, emphasised that perpetrators of such heinous acts would face severe consequences of their actions.
He emphasised the need for parents and guardians to be vigilant and ensure their children are always in close proximity.
The commandant stressed the importance of fostering an environment where children would feel comfortable discussing any issue they may encounter, whether it be with a stranger, friend or close relative.
