A middle-aged man, identified as Michael Ogungbemi, has been arrested in Edo State for allegedly sexually abusing his underage stepdaughter and her 13-year-old school friend, both students in Junior Secondary School (JSS1).
The suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) in Ogbegun community, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Benin City.
According to reports, Ogungbemi repeatedly targeted his stepdaughter while her mother was at work, reportedly sending her younger siblings on errands to create opportunities for the assaults.
He allegedly encouraged the victim to invite friends to the house, where he then allegedly defiled one of her schoolmates after multiple attempts.
The suspect is said to have threatened both victims with death if they disclosed the abuse to anyone.
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The case came to light when the 13-year-old friend fell ill at school, showing symptoms that prompted her teacher to alert her parents. She was rushed to a hospital, where medical examinations revealed bacterial infections consistent with sexual abuse.
Under questioning by her parents and medical personnel, the minor disclosed the repeated sexual assaults by Ogungbemi, which also implicated his stepdaughter. The parents promptly reported the matter to the Edo State Security Corps. Following a tip-off and swift investigation, operatives arrested the suspect.
Both victims reportedly confirmed the abuse during questioning. Ogungbemi confessed to the crimes, attributing his actions to “the devil,” according to Deputy Commander of the Corps, Richard Balogu.
Balogu confirmed the arrest and the suspect’s admission to having sexual relations with the minors. He said Ogungbemi was apprehended based on credible intelligence and has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.