TheCable

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says a 41-year-old has been arrested for allegedly raping his 16-year-old daughter in Kogi.

Speaking after parading the suspect on Wednesday, Ahmad Gandi, NSCDC commandant in Kogi, said the case was reported by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) on May 5.

Gandhi said the father had been sexually abusing his daughter since she turned 16, adding that the assault started in 2020.

He said the victim’s younger sister had earlier suggested that they both commit suicide or kill their father to escape the assault.

Gandhi said the father has confessed to committing the crime and would be charged in court upon completion of the investigation.

The victim, while speaking with journalists, said the abuse started after her mother left home.

“It happened in 2020 when my mum left home and since then my Dad had been sexually abusing me,” NAN quoted the victim as saying.

“In 2021, my father impregnated me and took me to a clinic where they aborted the pregnancy I had for him.

“I couldn’t leave the house because of my younger sister as I was afraid my father could do the same thing to my sister.

“After aborting the pregnancy he continued the sexual abuse until I couldn’t take it anymore, which I have to report to an NGO who reported the case to NSCDC.”

The suspect, on his part, said he was devastated after his wife left him and refused to return home despite his pleas.

“I actually committed the act but I don’t know how I did it. I love my wife very well; I begged her to come back home but she never did for the past three years,” the suspect said.

The NSCDC commandant commended the NGO and urged other victims to report their situation to the command.