A police officer attached to the State Intelligence Bureau of the Nigeria Police Force, Nasarawa State Police Command, has reportedly raped and impregnated his 15-year-old niece who lives with him.
The State Chairman of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Mrs Rabiatu Addra, revealed this during a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital on Wednesday.
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The chairperson of FIDA stated that a whistleblower had reported the incident, stating that the victim was allegedly raped by her uncle, who is an inspector in the Nigeria Police Force.
According to her, the suspect has been apprehended. She further reiterated her commitment to follow up on the case and ensure that the suspected is being prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
Addra also urged the police command in the state to ensure a thorough investigation of the matter.
She said, “On receipt of the information by the whistleblower, FIDA in conjunction with the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response team, facilitated and mobilised police officers to get the suspect arrested.
“Our team with the police took the victim to the hospital and paid for her treatment but unfortunately she lost the six-month-old baby. The state ministry of Justice further paid the bill for a DNA test as part of the ongoing investigation to ascertain the real culprit.”
Mrs Rabiatu Addra, however, said that the victim has been discharged from the hospital and reunited with her family.
“The team is always ready and prepared to promote, protect and serve the rights of women and children. We are appealing to victims of abuse to always have the confidence to speak out so that we can render the necessary support to them,” she said.
Efforts made to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, to react to the issue failed as he neither responded to phone calls nor returned text messages sent to his mobile lines.