ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Police in Bayelsa State have arrested a 38-year-old man, Feko Emmanuel, for alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl in the Southern Ijaw area of the state.
The suspect, a commercial tricycle operator, who is from Ogoni, Rivers State, allegedly lured his victim last Saturday with a pack of ice cream to his house and had carnal knowledge of her.
It was learnt that the parents of the rape victim were not comfortable with the slow pace of investigation.
They have reportedly insisted that the matter be transferred to the police headquarters in Yenagoa.
The victim (name withheld), was identified as an underage fuel attendant and was lured on her way home from work.
The victim said: “I was having an upset stomach and took excuse to close early. I went to my aunt’s place, she is a petty trader. My aunt told me to go home and lie down a little.
“On my way, I met the tricycle operator and he asked me to join him to Yenagoa from Ammasoma to buy some things for himself and me. He bought me ice cream and insisted I know his house. When we got to his house, he forced himself on me and defiled me.”
Speaking on the development, the President of the DO Foundation, Dise Ogbise, noted that the girl’s case is a multiple one of child labour at the fuel station and the case of defilement.
Ogbise, a human rights lawyer, said: ”The fact that the girl is a fuel attendant at that age is a clear case of child labour and it’s an offence under the Bayelsa State Child Rights law, 2015.
“The other twist to this case is the actual alleged defilement of the girl. We are aware that the girl’s family wants to settle out of court but as a Foundation, we will ensure that it never happens as the child deserves justice. No monetary compensation can take the place of the pain the child suffered while being defiled.”
Spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the development.
He said suspect was in police custody and that the case would soon be transferred to the police headquarters.