The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 46-year-old man identified simply as Fred for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old girl (name withheld) at Sawmill, in the Ifako-Gbagada area of Lagos State.

The suspect was said to have repeatedly defiled the victim for two years.

A source privy to the development told us on Sunday that Fred allegedly impregnated the victim twice and, in the process, forced her to carry out an abortion at both times.

The act was also said to have been perpetrated with the knowledge of the victim’s guardian who was also arrested alongside an auxiliary nurse who carried out the abortion.

The source said, “The suspect, Fred, lives with the victim’s guardian and had been having carnal knowledge of the minor for about two years. During this period, the victim got pregnant twice and was made to go through two abortions.

“The young girl had made a series of complaints to her guardian who did nothing about it. She only promised to send Fred away but failed to do so until they were both arrested. An auxiliary nurse who carried out the abortion was also arrested.”

The Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network in its routine report seen by our correspondent confirmed to have reported the incident at the Ifako police station, leading to the arrest of the alleged perpetrators.

The rights group, while commending the swift action and collaboration of the police, appealed to the authorities as well as the Lagos State Government to oversee the case and ensure that justice was served.

“ACVPN look forward to a successful transfer of this case to the Gender Unit Lagos State Police Command Ikeja as the victim is expected to be taken to Mirabel Centre next Monday 8th of April 2024,” part of the report stated.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident as well as the arrest of the suspects.

Hundeyin said, “The incident was reported, and the suspects were arrested. An investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will soon be prosecuted at the end of the investigation.”

In May 2023, it was reported that a 24-year-old man, Jacob Ekene, was remanded to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl at her aunt’s residence in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.

Ekene, who was arraigned on three counts of conspiracy, rape, and inflicting bodily harm, was remanded by Magistrate P. E. Nwaka at a Magistrates’ Court sitting in Yaba, Lagos State.