23-year-old man arrested for alleged defilement of minor in Ondo
A 23-year-old man, identified simply as Emmanuel Usman, has been arrested for allegedly defiling a minor in Ondo State. Usman was apprehended by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command
- By Tosin Tope, Akure
A 23-year-old man, identified simply as Emmanuel Usman, has been arrested for allegedly defiling a minor in Ondo State.
Usman was apprehended by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command at Ijebu Owo in the Owo Local Government Area of the state.
The Police command’s spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued to journalists in Akure, the state capital, on Monday.
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According to Abayomi, the suspect has been handed over to the command’s Gender-Based Violence Unit and is currently under investigation.
He said the incident occurred on March 29, 2026, at Ijebu Owo, where the suspect allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of the victim, whose identity has been withheld.
DSP Abayomi explained that the victim reported the case at a police station, alleging that the suspect forcefully dragged her into his employer’s office along Ijebu Owo, where the act was committed without her consent.
He added that the suspect allegedly threatened the victim with dire consequences if she disclosed the incident, in an attempt to intimidate and silence her.
Despite the threat, Abayomi said the victim reported the matter to the police, prompting swift action by operatives.
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"Upon receipt of the report, operatives swiftly moved into action, leading to the arrest of the suspect. He is currently in police custody and has made useful statements aiding the investigation," the police spokesperson said.
DSP Abayomi noted that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
He also disclosed that the victim was taken to the General Hospital, Owo, where she received necessary medical care.
"Additionally, appropriate psychosocial support mechanisms are being explored to ensure the victim’s well-being throughout the investigative and judicial process," he added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, has directed that the case be handled with utmost diligence, sensitivity, and urgency to ensure justice is served.
Adebowale reiterated the command’s commitment to combating all forms of sexual and gender-based violence across the state.
"The command strongly condemns acts of defilement and all forms of abuse against minors and assures the public that such offenders will be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
"Parents, guardians, and members of the public are advised to remain vigilant, educate their wards on personal safety, and promptly report any suspicious or criminal activities to the nearest police station," he said.
