The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a 19-year-old boy, Jamiu Akande, on allegations of defiling a nine-year-old girl in the Pakata Area of Ilorin, Ilorin West Local Government Area. According to sources close to the NSCDC (as reported by Punch News), Akande reportedly began his sexual involvement with the victim in December 2023 and had been consistently taking advantage of her since then.

Ayoola Michael ASC, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, confirmed the disturbing incident. He shared that the suspect, a frequent visitor to Babareke House in Ipata Oloje, initiated his sexual assaults on the victim as early as 1 December 2023.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect frequently visited the victim's residence under the guise of seeing his friend, thereby gaining access to the victim.

“He lured the victim to an uncompleted building on December 1, 2023, and sexually assaulted her. Subsequently, on April 16, 2024, he sent her to buy bread for him and then led her to a dilapidated building where he subjected her to additional sexual abuse.

“The victim disclosed that the suspect had been sexually assaulting her since December 2023”, the NSCDC said.

Michael narrated that on Tuesday, 16 April 2024, at approximately 20:30, the case was reported to the gender unit of the command by Alhaja Yusuf Mariam Joke, Director of the Child Ministry of Woman Affairs, following a distress call from Babareke House in the Ipata Oloje area of Ilorin.

“Without delay, the command swiftly responded and apprehended the suspect after painstaking efforts by officers of the Command,” he said.

Ayoola confirmed that the suspect has confessed to the crime and will be charged in a court of competent jurisdiction for prosecution.

Mohammed Umar, the state commandant of the NSCDC, expressed great dismay at the surge in rape and child defilement cases. He stressed that those who commit such awful acts would face severe punishment. Umar urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children."