The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 36-year-old Point of Sale (POS) operator in Ilorin, Kwara State, over allegations of repeated sexual assaults on a 14 year old girl.

The Corps alleged that the suspect lured the teenager to his business premises and later to an uncompleted building, where the assaults reportedly occurred on different occasions.

The suspect, identified as AbdulGaniyu AbdulRahman, was apprehended by operatives of the NSCDC Kwara State Command following a complaint filed by the girl’s father at the Command’s Gender Unit.

According to the Command, the father alleged that his teenage daughter had been subjected to repeated sexual abuse by the suspect, prompting an investigation that led to his arrest.

Preliminary findings by investigators indicated that the suspect, who operates a POS business at Alfa Yahaya in the Adeta area of Ilorin, allegedly became acquainted with the victim through his business outlet.

Investigators said the suspect allegedly exploited the relationship by repeatedly inviting the teenager to his shop and later to an uncompleted building where he allegedly sexually assaulted her on different occasions.

The Command further disclosed that the suspect threatened to kill the victim if she revealed the incidents to anyone, causing the teenager to remain silent out of fear for some time.

During the investigation, the victim also said on one occasion the suspect gave her a locally prepared herbal mixture and instructed her to drink it, after which she reportedly became weak and disoriented.

The Command said the victim was subjected to medical examination as part of the investigation, with the report indicating evidence of a previous hymenal injury associated with sexual activity.

NSCDC said the suspect would be arraigned before a competent court upon the conclusion of investigations.

State Commandant of the Corps, Abbas Nda Mohammed, condemned the incident and all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation involving children.

He described offences against minors as unacceptable and a serious violation of their rights, dignity and wellbeing.

The Commandant reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable members of society, warning that anyone found culpable of offences involving minors would face the full weight of the law.

He also urged parents and guardians to maintain close communication with their children, remain attentive to behavioural changes that could signal abuse, and promptly report suspected cases to security agencies to enable swift intervention. (Daily Trust)