A 32-year-old man, identified as Ezekiel Elijah, has been arrested by the operatives of the Delta State police Command for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old physically challenged girl in Aviara, Isoko area of Delta State.
The Delta State Police Command Public relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, who announced the arrest in a video posted on Sunday, 29 December, 2024 via X, added that the suspect allegedly lured the victim into his house, where he committed the offense.
“He deceived this girl, took her into his house, locked her inside, and sexually molested her,” Bright said during the suspect’s interrogation.
The state police image-maker said that the victim’s vulnerability made the case particularly disturbing, adding, “She’s someone that needs a guardian… someone that needs assistance.”
During questioning, Elijah claimed he was unaware of the victim’s age. However, SP Bright clarified that ignorance does not constitute a valid defense.
“Whether she agrees or not is immaterial… she has not gotten to that age where she can decide for herself,” the police spokesperson said.
According to Elijah’s statement to the police, he initially called out to two individuals passing by, and the victim later returned alone. The suspect, who hails from Adjara in the Isoko region, will be charged in court for defilement.
Bright explained that cases of defilement are treated with utmost seriousness under the law.
“The offence of defilement is a very clear one. Provided she’s not of an age where she can give consent; consent is immaterial and will be treated as defilement,” he stated, adding that the case has been forwarded to the courts for further legal proceedings.
