The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, Emmanuel Usman, over the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Ijebu-Owo, Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Akure, noting that the incident was reported by the victim on March 29.
According to him, the victim alleged that the suspect forcefully took her into his employer’s office along Ijebu-Owo, where the incident occurred without her consent. She also claimed that the suspect threatened her in a bid to prevent her from speaking about the incident.
Jimoh said the victim later reported the matter to the police, prompting a swift response from operatives of the command, which led to the arrest of the suspect.
He added that the case is currently being handled by the Gender-Based Violence Unit and remains under investigation, while the suspect is in custody and has provided a statement to assist the process.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the victim was taken to the General Hospital, Owo, for medical attention, adding that efforts are ongoing to provide necessary psychosocial support.
Jimoh further stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, has directed that the case be handled with diligence, sensitivity, and urgency to ensure justice is served.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling sexual and gender-based violence, condemning all forms of abuse against minors and assuring the public that offenders would be prosecuted in line with the law.
The command also urged parents, guardians, and the public to remain vigilant, educate children on personal safety, and promptly report suspicious or criminal activities to the nearest police station.
