Man arrested for allegedly raping 70-year-old Edo woman

Some of the suspects. Photo: Police

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 on Wednesday during a press briefing on the command’s operational achievements in the past week.

Ikoedem, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, said the suspect was in custody while investigation into the alleged offence continued.

She said the case was “being thoroughly investigated”, adding that the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of the investigation.

She stated, “Regrettably, sexual violence remains a serious concern. The Command has in custody a 37-year-old male suspect in connection with the alleged rape of a 70-year-old woman in Igueben.

“The case is being thoroughly investigated, and the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of investigation.”

In another development, the PPRO said operatives of the command’s Gender and Family Unit had recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State.

Ikoedem said the child had been reunited with the family, adding that suspects connected to the incident had been arrested.

The PPRO also disclosed that operatives of the Otuo Division had arrested seven suspected cult members in an intelligence-driven operation aimed at curbing cult-related activities in the area.

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She said the arrests formed part of sustained intelligence-led operations across the state.

Ikoedem further disclosed that the command had 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,” she stated.

The PPRO added that suspects linked to the stripping of a young girl and the subsequent circulation of the material on social media had been arrested around the Ekiadolor axis.

“The suspects are currently in custody as investigation continues, and the Command will ensure that anyone found culpable is made to face the law,” she stated.

Ikoedem urged residents 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.

She also urged members of the public to use social media responsibly and desist from using digital platforms to “humiliate, threaten, expose or sexually violate others.”

“Sexual violence in any form is a criminal offence and must not be tolerated or concealed,” she stated.

Ikoedem said the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and would continue to take decisive action against criminality across the state.