Traditional ruler arrested for allegedly raping 12-year-old girl in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a traditional ruler (Baale) in Laaagba community, Ondo East Local Government area of Ondo State, for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl.

According to a police source at the Ondo Area Command, the traditional ruler, whose name was given as Chief Adeniyi Ifedayo, was said to have lured the girl into his house in the community and harboured her in the house for two weeks where he sexually assaulted her.

Recounting her ordeal, the minor, who is currently recuperating in an undisclosed health facility in Ondo town, said she was lured to the house of the monarch by a commercial motorcycle rider in the community.

“The Baale kept me in his house for two weeks and feed me with pap, while he assaulted me sexually on daily basis,” she narrated.

“My parents became worried about my whereabouts and eventually raised an alarm, declaring me missing. After two weeks, the Baale took me on a motorcycle and dumped me at a location in Akure.”

The Area Commander of the Ondo Area Command of the Nigeria Police, Mr. T. Y. Pickson, who confirmed the incident said case was transferred to the State Police Command in Akure for further investigation.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, also confirmed the arrest of the suspect, stating that the case has been transferred to the State Police Headquarters, where a thorough investigation is ongoing.