CHINEDU WOSU, YENAGOA
Hell was let loose in Yenagoa last weekend as a 50 year old man was arrested over alleged defilement of a 15 month old baby at the Swali area of the Bayelsa state capital.
Chairperson of Bayelsa chapter of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Mrs. Dise Ogbise said last weekend that the arrest of the suspect followed a report by FIDA to the Police.
She described the development as a barbaric and wicked act that could impede the healthy development of the child.
‘It is barbaric and inhuman. We condemn it and call on mothers to be vigilante and careful with their girl child,” she said.
The suspect, identified as Oku Ekanem, was arrested by the men of the State Anti-Crime Squad known as Door Akpor.
The sad incident occurred at about 1am and sparked off anger among residents particularly the Women Lawyers who took up the case and vowed to ensure prosecution of the suspect.
The accused, who was a lover to Madam Blessing Joshua, the 40 year old mother of the victim, was caught red handed while defiling the crying child.
Joshua, the mother of the victim, told FIDA that “It happened on Monday at about 1am. I was watching television with my neighbor till late and retired to bed at about 1am.
“It was not quite long after, I heard the cream of my child and ran to that side, but was shocked when I saw him defiling my child.
“He claimed it was the work of the devil and I told him that this would be the last time the devil will use him and that I will take the matter serious. He pleaded and barricaded the door to prevent me from calling neighbors’.
“But I tricked him and ran outside with my child to call Police Patrol team at our junction.
“He was arrested and denied the act. But a test carried out at the hospital showed otherwise.”
