A 48-year-old man, referred to as David, has been apprehended by the Nigeria Police Force in the Otu-Jeremi Division of the Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State for the alleged defilement of his 10-year-old daughter and for transmitting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to her.
The suspect, who is said to be living with HIV/AIDS, was arrested on Friday morning after his wife reported her concerns when their daughter seemed noticeably unwell and malnourished.
Reports indicate that the mother took the girl to a medical facility, where the test results confirmed that the child was HIV positive. Upon questioning, the girl revealed that her father had been sexually abusing her for an extended period.
A medical examination initiated by the Police also validated instances of repeated sexual assault on the child by her father.
Community sources indicated that the accused, David, may have been having sexual relations with unsuspecting women in the area, and there are allegations suggesting he may have also transmitted the virus to his wife.
Attempts to speak with the child were met with refusal, as she chose not to comment. However, it appears that family members of the suspect have been exerting pressure on his wife to withdraw the police report and retract her statements to secure David’s release.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrest when contacted. He stated via text message to Vanguard, “I don’t have information on AIDS but yes, he is in custody.”
In a follow-up phone call, he affirmed, “Yes! The man is in custody.”
In related news, prominent human rights advocate, Israel Joe, has denounced the incident, urging the Delta State Police Command to keep the suspect away from the community to prevent further transmission of the virus.
He has also called upon the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women Affairs to promptly provide the child with necessary medical treatment and psychological support to aid in her recovery and well-being.
