The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged abduction, sexual abuse, and cyber-bullying of a 16-year-old girl in Edo State. The suspects, Samuel Gbenga, 26; Marvelous Lucky, 27; and Vera Asemota, 22, were arrested following an investigation into the incident. According to reports, the suspects lured the teenager to their hideout at Egbai community, along Sapele Road, where she was subjected to sexual abuse.
The victim, who was held captive by the suspects, was stripped naked and had a ransom of N2 million demanded from her family before she was rescued by the corps. The Sapele Road Sector Command of the ESSC commenced an investigation into the incident, leading to the rescue of the victim and the arrest of the suspects. The Corps Commander, Richard Balogun, confirmed that the suspects were arrested at midnight following a painstaking investigation.
The victim recounted her ordeal, stating that she met one of the suspects, who disguised as a female on social media, and they became friends. She said that after a while, the supposed friend invited her to Idogbo Bypass on the Agbor Road, where the suspects allegedly sprayed a substance on her, causing her to pass out. When she woke up, she found herself naked and was ordered to dance while they videoed her nakedness.
The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime, stating that they stripped the victim naked, recorded her, and uploaded the video on her Facebook page. The Corps Commander, Richard Balogun, said that the suspects and the video evidence had been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution. The police will now take over the case and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of teenagers, especially with the increasing use of social media. The Edo State Security Corps has assured the public that it will continue to work to prevent and investigate cases of abduction and sexual abuse. The corps has also urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and monitor their children's online activities.
The suspects are currently in police custody, and the police are expected to carry out further investigations and possibly arraign them in court. The victim is receiving support and counseling from relevant authorities. The incident highlights the need for increased awareness and education on the dangers of online exploitation and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals.
The Edo State Security Corps has urged anyone with information about the incident or similar cases to come forward and assist in the investigation. The corps has also assured that it will continue to work with other security agencies to prevent and combat crimes in the state. The incident is a reminder of the need for collective efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens, especially vulnerable individuals.
Key points
- The Edo State Security Corps arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged abduction and sexual abuse of a 16-year-old girl.
- The suspects lured the teenager to their hideout, where she was subjected to sexual abuse and had a ransom demanded from her family.
- The incident highlights the need for increased awareness and education on the dangers of online exploitation and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals.
