The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old man, identified as Nicholas Nusa, over the alleged abduction and sexual abuse of five young girls in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
The police said the suspect was arrested after receiving information on September 12 about the alleged abduction of the children along the Ibillo/Imoga axis of Akoko-Edo.
According to the command, officers responded to the report and apprehended Nusa in connection with the incident. The police have not disclosed further details about the identities of the children or the circumstances surrounding their alleged abuse.
The arrest was contained in a statement issued by the Edo State Police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor.
The command said the arrest was part of a series of operations carried out across the state in the past week to tackle violent crime.
During the operations, police said they arrested 10 suspects, neutralised one suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle, among other achievements.
The command also reported the arrest of another suspect, identified as Mohammed Abdulramah, who allegedly claimed to be a member of the military.
According to the police, Abdulramah was allegedly travelling from Warri in Delta State to Okene in Kogi State and was found with a military uniform reportedly stolen from a naval officer serving in Niger State.
The police said investigations into the various cases are ongoing.
Authorities have continued to urge residents to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing kidnapping, child abduction and other violent crimes across the state.
The allegations against Nusa remain subject to investigation, and any further legal action will depend on the outcome of the police inquiry.
