ALEX OGWEMHO, BENIN
The Edo State Police Command has begun investigations into the alleged rape of a nine-year-old girl by a police sergeant serving in Benin City. The Point’s investigation revealed that the sergeant, identified as Umoru Babalola, allegedly lured the little girl intohis room and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. Babalolais said to have been arrested by the police command.
Feelers from the command indicated that Babalola could be dismissed from the police and, in addition, charged in court for rape of a minor, if preliminary investigations should find him culpable.
Confirming this report, the Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Ezike, said,“The case is being handled at the family unit and I have ordered that a test be conducted on the girl and we area waiting the result.
“This command and Nigeria Police will not cover any crime among its officers and men.” He added that if the result of the test on the victim confirmed an incidence of rape, the suspect would face orderly room trial, leading to dismissal and arraignment in court.
Speaking with The Point’s correspondent, the mother of the victim said, “I came home from the market and I couldn’t find my daughter and then asked my neighbour about her and there, I was told that Babalola sent her to buy recharge card for him. I waited for her to come back, and she did not, almost about 30 minutes lapsed.
“I then decided to search for her in his (Babalola’s) apartment. I knocked on his door and no response. When I asked his son where his father was, the boy told me that his father was in the room. I then peeped through the window of Babalola’s apartment and saw him naked with my daughter crying.