The Bayelsa State Police Command has taken into custody an 80-year old man, identified as Pa. Stephen, for allegedly defiling a 10-year old pupil at Otuokpoti Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to reports filed by Gender Advocacy groups in the state, including the Dise ogbise Foundation (Do Foundation), Reigneth foundation, Starrz Safety Initiative and the Collins Cocodia Foundation, the 80 year old man was identified by indigenes of the community as a serial pedophile and sick with advanced pile and hernia.
The Gender Advocacy groups, when alerted about the incident, stormed Otuokpoti community and ensured that the culprit was reported to the Divisional Police Headquarters.
They later confirmed that the suspect had been transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Yenagoa
The foster mother of the victim told newsmen that she noticed that the girl was showing signs of sickness and had become absent-minded when carrying out domestic shores.
“Many of my neighbours warned me that they noticed that the elderly accused gave some money to the kid and warned the foster mother to be at alert. They warned her that the elderly accused is a serial pedophile.
Investigation however gathered that the accused had been secretly defiling the child for over 12 months without the knowledge of the foster mother.
“On the fateful day, a concerned member of the community noticed the child entering the old man’s house on her way from school. She immediately raised alarm and they forceful rescued her. The victim admitted that the defilement started since last year.”
Confirming the incident, founder of the Dise Foundation, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry told newsmen that it took the joint effort of the Gender Advocacy group to ensure the accused is arrested and remanded in Police custody.
She confirmed that the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, also assisted by providing medical support and examination. The victim is in protective custody of the state govt through Ministry of Women Affairs.
She also confirmed that the victim has undergone medical examination and will also undergo psychology examination. “It is sad that such is happening. It is a red flag to all of us,” she said.
