Police arrest 35-year-old man for defiling 12-year-old girl in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects over alleged defilement and a suspected murder case, while also confirming the death of a motorcyclist in a separate incident in Iseyin, with investigations ongoing across all three cases.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said a 35-year-old man identified as “Abule” was arrested for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl in the Araromi area of Molete, Ibadan.

According to the statement, the suspect allegedly lured the girl, who was hawking snacks, into an uncompleted building where the offence was committed while she attempted to collect payment for goods sold.

“It was reported that while the child was attempting to collect payment for goods sold, the suspect took advantage of her by luring her into an uncompleted building where he had unlawful carnal knowledge of her,” the command said.

The police added that operatives from the Sanyo Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly moved to the scene after receiving the report, while the survivor was taken for medical examination and treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, directed that the case be transferred to the Gender Department for further investigation, reiterating the command’s resolve to prosecute offenders.

“The command remains resolute in ensuring that any perpetrator of such heinous acts will face the full wrath of the law,” the statement said.

In a separate development, the command said it has commenced an investigation into a suspected murder case involving a 37-year-old man, Basiru Rasheed Orelope, following the death of 35-year-old Rukayat Rafiu.

The case was reported by Ademola Rasheed Adebayo and Taoreed Olayiwola after the suspect allegedly brought the deceased’s lifeless body to a residence under suspicious circumstances.

The police said preliminary findings showed no visible marks of violence on the body, which has been deposited for autopsy along Akala Express Road, Ibadan.

During interrogation, the suspect said the deceased was his customer and that she later fell ill while they were together in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, claiming she died after being rushed for medical attention.

He said he later conveyed her body to Ibadan, a development that raised suspicion.

The command said the suspect remains in custody while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

“No stone will be left unturned in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the Commissioner of Police assured, while urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators.

Meanwhile, the police command confirmed the death of a 25-year-old motorcyclist, Umar Yahúza, in a lone accident at a Border Patrol checkpoint along the Iseyin/Oyo Road.

The command said the victim was rescued and taken to Fadok Hospital, but later died at about 7:30 a.m. after sustaining injuries.

Following the incident, commercial motorcyclists staged a protest alleging the involvement of officers at the checkpoint, but police authorities said the situation was brought under control after engagement with community leaders.

The command further disclosed that two officers—an Assistant Superintendent of Police and an Inspector attached to the Border Patrol Unit—have been detained pending investigation.

It added that the case would be transferred to the SCID, while assuring that “any officer found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned in accordance with the law.”

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to accountability and transparency, urging calm as investigations continue.