Probe alleged defilement of two minors in Rivers

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man for allegedly evicting his widowed daughter-in-law from her home days after the burial of her husband, while the Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged defilement of two minors by a 50-year-old man.

In Lagos, a 28-year-old widow, Tosin Omolola, has regained access to her home following the arrest of her father-in-law after he allegedly forced her and her two young sons out of the residence eight days after the burial of her husband.

Omolola, who lives at 8, Jumofak, Igbo Oluwo Estate, Koya Adeniran, Ikorodu, lost her husband on July 20, 2026. While still mourning, she was allegedly subjected to intimidation by members of her late husband’s family.

According to reports, her father-in-law, mother-in-law and brother-in-law moved into the house shortly after the burial and ordered her to confine herself and her two children to a single room.

They allegedly attempted to take over the property before eventually locking her outside the house.

A video that went viral on social media showed the father-in-law padlocking the gate, preventing the bereaved mother from gaining access to the property.

Following public outrage and intervention by human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), the father-in-law was arrested by the police, while the other relatives vacated the property, allowing Tosin and her children to return home on July 29, 2026.

The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, said the case was initially reported at the Owutu Police Division and handled by the Family Support Unit before being transferred to the Gender Unit.

Meanwhile, in Rivers State, the police have commenced an investigation into the alleged defilement of two minors, aged 13 and 11, by a 50-year-old man identified simply as Godwin in Ogale, Eleme Local Council.

The suspect was arrested on Monday by operatives of the Eleme Police Division after the parents of the two children lodged a formal complaint.

According to the father of the 13-year-old victim, the suspect allegedly lured the children into his room under the guise of sending them on errands.

He claimed that after the children returned from buying items for him, the suspect would invite them into his room, lock the door, increase the volume of music and allegedly sexually assault them.

The father also alleged that the suspect threatened the children with dire consequences if they disclosed the abuse to anyone.

The allegations reportedly came to light after the parents became aware of the incidents and reported the matter to the police.

Following the complaint, operatives of the Eleme Police Division arrested the suspect at his residence and commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the allegations.

Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said: “Yes, I can confirm the arrest of the suspect. Investigation into the allegation is ongoing.”

She added that investigators would interview the victims, their parents and other relevant witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.

The identities of the minors have been withheld to protect their privacy, and in line with established practice in cases involving children.