The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State, has arrested a 36-year-old man, AbdulGaniyu AbdulRahman, alleged of sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.

A statement by the Command’s spokesman, Ayoola Shola, said the suspect was arrested after a complaint was lodged by the father of the victim at the Command’s Gender Unit, alleging that his daughter had been repeatedly assaulted by the suspect.

According to Ayoola: “preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who operates a Point-On-Sale (POS) business at Alfa Yahaya, Adeta, Ilorin, became acquainted with the victim in his business premises,” adding: “he repeatedly lured the victim to his POS shop, as well as an uncompleted building, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.”

Ayoola added that “investigations further revealed that the suspect allegedly threatened to kill the victim if she disclosed the incidents to anyone, a threat which instilled fear and prevented her from reporting the abuses.

“The victim further disclosed that, on one occasion, the suspect gave her a locally prepared herbal concoction, which he instructed her to drink. She stated that she subsequently felt weak and disoriented.

“As part of the investigations, the victim underwent a medical examination, which revealed evidence of prior hymenal injury related to sexual activity.

“Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect will be charged to court,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the state Commandant, Abbas Nda Mohammed, condemned all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation of children, describing such acts as unacceptable and a grave violation of the rights and dignity of minors.

He reaffirmed the Corps’ unwavering commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons, stressing that anyone found culpable of offences involving minors would be made to face the full weight of the law.

He urged parents and guardians to maintain close communication with their children, observe changes in their behaviour, and promptly report suspected cases of abuse to security agencies for immediate intervention.