Eight Teenagers Arrested for Alleged Sexual Assault of Minor

In Ogun State, Nigeria, the Security and Civil Defence Corps has detained eight teenagers.

The group is accused of conspiring to commit sexual abuse and engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl in the Ijebu-Mushin area.

The suspects include Matthew Omotayo (17), Mojeeb Solomon (16), Olamilekan Adefuye (18), Damilola Ismail (19), Emmanuel George (17), Aborisade Ayomide (17), Paul Chukwuchebe (19), and Lateef Adeoye (16).

This news was announced in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Dyke Ogbonnaya, on Thursday.

Ogbonnaya revealed that the incidents occurred on November 15th, 2024.

The suspects are facing charges under the Child Rights Law of Ogun State for allegedly assaulting and filming the attack on a minor, which was purportedly intended for blackmail.

Reportedly, the teenagers, who identified themselves as students from St. Anthony Grammar School, took the girl to a secluded location where they engaged in violent sexual acts and recorded the events.

The victim recounted that following her initial abuse, she was recorded and subsequently threatened by the suspects with video distribution on social media, compelling her to comply with them again until she eventually reported the case to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Ijebu-Mushin.

Ogbonnaya mentioned that the arrest of two suspects led to the identification and capture of the others involved.

After obtaining consent from the girl’s mother, authorities arranged for a medical evaluation at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Olabisi Onabajo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu.

The investigation’s findings prompted the legal officer of the State Command to request a remand order in the magistrate court, which was granted for 60 days while awaiting guidance from the Department of Public Prosecution. The case is scheduled for further proceedings on January 20, 2025.

Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo, the State Commandant, emphasized that the Corps will not tolerate any form of abuse against girls, whether by peers or adults. She assured that those found guilty will face serious legal repercussions.