The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old man for allegedly raping a 70-year-old woman in Igueben, Edo State. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this during a press briefing on the command's operational achievements in the past week. The suspect is currently in custody while investigation into the alleged offence continues.
According to ASP Ikoedem, the case is being thoroughly investigated, and the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of the investigation. The Police Command is taking the case seriously, as sexual violence remains a serious concern. The command has been working to address the issue, and the arrest of the suspect is part of these efforts.
In another development, the Gender and Family Unit of the command has recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State. The child has been reunited with the family, and suspects connected to the incident have been arrested. This success is a result of the sustained intelligence-led operations across the state.
The Edo State Police Command has also made arrests in connection with cult-related activities. Operatives of the Otuo Division arrested seven suspected cult members in an intelligence-driven operation aimed at curbing cult-related activities in the area. The arrests are part of the command's efforts to dislodge criminal elements and destroy their hideouts in the forests.
The command has concluded a one-week joint clearance operation across parts of Edo North, aimed at dislodging criminal elements and destroying their hideouts in the forests. The operation has yielded positive results, with the affected areas remaining relatively calm and peaceful, particularly with no reported kidnapping activities within the period.
The police have also arrested suspects linked to the stripping of a young girl and the subsequent circulation of the material on social media. The suspects are currently in custody as investigation continues, and the Command will ensure that anyone found culpable is made to face the law. The public has been urged to use social media responsibly and desist from using digital platforms to humiliate, threaten, expose or sexually violate others.
The Edo State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to take decisive action against criminality across the state. The public has been urged to continue providing the police with credible and timely information, while advising parents and young people to shun cultism and all forms of criminal association.
Key points
- The suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of the investigation.
- The command has recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State.
- The public has been urged to use social media responsibly and desist from using digital platforms to humiliate, threaten, expose or sexually violate others.
