Olusegun Ariyo
A 37 years old man, Emmanuel Ighoruemu, has allegedly defiled his neighbour’s eight-year-old daughter (name withheld) in Egbo community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The suspect was arrested based on the efforts of a human right activist, Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo.
The man is currently detained at the Police Station in Otu-Jeremi Division, having confessed to committing the offence.
According to him, he only carried out the illicit act with the little girl once.
Medical reports indicate that the little girl has been infected with warts infection with her hymen broken and vulva ruptured, Urban Express News Online can report. The victim is currently undergoing medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
It was learnt that Ighoruemu forcefully defiled the victim when her parents left her in the custody of their neighbour and travelled out for a day.
He reportedly lured the girl to his bedroom, and after committing the act, threatened to kill her if she tells anyone.
He also offered her N500. However, the little girl rejected the money.
In a statement on Sunday, Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo said the suspect will be charged to court on Wednesday, 6th November, 2024.
While noting that cases of rape is on the increase in Delta State, Ejumudo urged the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and the Commissioner for Women Affairs to as a matter of urgency and necessity intensify town hall awareness campaigns against rape and defilement within the state.
He also called for enactment of stringent penalties for rapists.
“We must get rid of such personalities in our communities because they pose a great danger to the girl child and society at large.”
He also warned community leaders in the state to desist from settling rape and defilement cases, stressing that it is a criminal matter that should be handed over to the Police for prosecution.
It was gathered that the suspect, sometime in 2023, also raped a little girl in the same community and was flogged by community youths, who collected money from him and settled the matter without informing the relevant authorities.
