Man Held As Delta Police Investigate Child Abuse Allegation
By PAULINA NZERUBE
A man has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command over the alleged sexual abuse of his nine-year-old daughter at a hotel in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area.
The police confirmed that the suspect is in custody, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has assumed responsibility for the case.
Police spokesperson Bright Edafe said the suspect denied the allegation during interrogation. He added that medical tests had been conducted on the child as part of the investigation process.
According to information obtained by investigators, the suspect allegedly lodged at a hotel with the child and told hotel staff he was attending a family engagement elsewhere. He reportedly asked staff to keep watch over the child during his absence.
The following day, the suspect returned with police officers, alleging that the child had been sexually abused while he was away. Based on the complaint, hotel workers and some lodgers were arrested and questioned.
Sources said the hotel manager was later released on bail after police confirmed he was not on duty at the time of the alleged incident. The matter was subsequently transferred to the SCID in Asaba.
Investigators said the case took a new turn after the child was interviewed in a safe environment without the presence of the suspect. The child’s account reportedly influenced the next steps taken by investigators.
The child has since been placed under the care of the Delta State Child Rights Implementation Committee and referred to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at the Asaba Specialist Hospital for further assessment.
Police said the case would be handled in line with the Delta State Child Rights Law and assured residents that the investigation would be thorough and transparent.
