Police arrest man, 37, over ‘rape of 70-year-old woman in Edo’

The Edo state Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old man for allegedly raping a 70-year-old woman in Igueben Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The Command said the suspect is currently in custody while investigation into the alleged sexual assault continues.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, during a press briefing in Benin City.

Ikoedem said the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law after the conclusion of investigation.

The Police spokesman described sexual violence as a serious concern, warning that such offences would not be tolerated or concealed.

In another development, the command also arrested suspects allegedly involved in stripping a young girl and circulating the material on social media in the Ekiadolor axis of the state.

According to Ikoedem, the suspects were in custody as investigation continues, adding that those found culpable would be prosecuted.

The PPRO quoted the state police Commissioner, CP Patrick Daaor, as saying, “The command concluded a one-week joint clearance operation across parts of Edo North aimed at dislodging suspected criminal elements and destroying their forest hideouts.”

The operation, according to the police, has contributed to relative peace in the affected areas, with no reported kidnapping incident during the period.

The Commissioner urged residents to provide the police with credible and timely information to assist its operations.