Edo Police Arrest 42-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Abuse of 12-Year-Old Boy

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man identified as Oji Okoro over the alleged sexual abuse of a 12-year-old boy.

Okoro was among 16 suspects paraded by the police command in Benin City for alleged involvement in various offences, including kidnapping, vandalism, unlawful possession of firearms and other criminal activities.

The police said the suspect was arrested in connection with an alleged offence involving the minor. The command described the case as an “unnatural offence” and said the victim was 12 years old.

The suspect's arrest formed part of a wider operation by the Edo State Police Command to tackle criminal activities and protect residents, particularly vulnerable members of the community.

While parading the suspects, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed details of the case and other arrests made by officers.

Other suspects paraded during the briefing were accused of offences ranging from alleged kidnapping and vandalism to unlawful possession of firearms.

Among them was Donatus Martins, 26, who was arrested alongside another suspect over the alleged vandalism of cables and equipment belonging to Africa Independent Television's Benin office.

Police said the suspects allegedly carried out several vandalism operations at the premises and sold some of the stolen items.

Another suspect, Chigozie Anthony, was also paraded over an alleged kidnapping case involving a girl reportedly lured through TikTok. Police alleged that the suspect hid the girl and demanded N500,000 from her parents.

Anthony, however, reportedly gave a different account of the incident, claiming that the girl was his girlfriend and that they had jointly planned the incident.

The police also paraded Ajayi Godwin, who was allegedly arrested for unlawful possession of firearms in Auchi, while other suspects were arrested over alleged pipeline vandalism around the Okada axis of Ovia North East Local Government Area.

The arrests form part of the command's wider security operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities across Edo State.

The case involving the 12-year-old boy is expected to undergo further investigation as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence.

Authorities are expected to take appropriate legal action after investigations are completed.

The development also highlights the need for parents, guardians and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases involving the abuse or exploitation of children.