Man Detained for Allegedly Assaulting 12-Year-Old in Delta

Barbing Salon Operator Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor

A 26-year-old man operating a barbing salon has been detained by police in Delta State on the grounds of allegedly abusing a 12-year-old boy in the Ugborikoko area of Uvwie Local Government.

The individual, named Volte Bale, was taken into custody on January 7, 2025, after a complaint was filed by a concerned member of the community at the local police station.

According to SP Edafe Bright, the police spokesperson, Bale was reported by the victim’s family after their son disclosed that Bale had lured him to his salon where the alleged abuse occurred.

“On January 7, 2025, around 7:30 PM, a complaint was filed by a man from Ugborikoko regarding an incident involving their 12-year-old son. The boy revealed that their neighbor, Volte Bale, invited him to his barbing salon,” stated the spokesperson.

Upon investigation, it was reported that the suspect showed the boy pornographic material and encouraged him to emulate what he saw on the screen.

“The suspect is accused of sexually assaulting the boy in multiple ways, and preliminary findings suggest this has been ongoing for the past two years,” the spokesperson added.

Edafe highlighted that the divisional police officer, Agbede Zuokumour Setemi—a dedicated officer—oversaw the arrest and began further inquiries into the matter.

It was also noted that the young victim tested positive for severe sexually transmitted infections.