Stepfather Arrested for Raping 12-Year-Old Stepdaughter Three Times in Rivers

A man has been arrested in Rumuekini community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, over the alleged repeated rape of his 12-year-old stepdaughter.

The suspect was accused of sexually abusing the minor on three separate occasions and threatening to kill both the girl and her mother if she reported the incidents to anyone.
According to reports, the alleged abuse occurred whenever the victim’s mother left the house. The suspect allegedly took advantage of her absence to touch the girl inappropriately before sexually assaulting her.

The victim reportedly kept the incidents secret out of fear after the suspect allegedly threatened to kill her and her mother if she exposed him.
A video circulating on social media showed the suspect being apprehended by community members following the allegations. He was also seen allegedly resisting arrest violently.

One of the community members, speaking at the police station, said the suspect was finally arrested after a prolonged struggle involving family members, community residents and security operatives.

Another resident, speaking in Pidgin English, said efforts to apprehend the suspect had started as early as 8:00 a.m.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain comments from the Rivers State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls to its Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, went unanswered. A WhatsApp message sent to her was also yet to receive a response as of the time of filing this report.

The incident has once again raised concerns about child sexual abuse and the safety of minors, particularly within homes where they are expected to receive protection and care.