The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 48-year-old man, Emmanuel George, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl in Port Harcourt.
According to the Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko in document shared to journalists on Monday, revealed that the incident occurred on 6 September at Mini Orlu, off Ada-George Road, where the victim had gone to purchase fried potatoes on the instruction of her aunt.
The suspect, said to be a native of Akwa Ibom State but residing on Rumu-Evolu Road, reportedly dragged the girl into a parked tricycle, tied her hands with a rope, gagged her, and forcefully assaulted her before fleeing.
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Operatives of the CP Strike Force were alerted and quickly mobilised to the scene.
The victim was immediately taken to the Police Hospital in Port Harcourt for medical attention and forensic examination. By 10 p.m. that same day, George was traced and arrested through intelligence-led operations.
Items recovered from the scene included a bundle of rope, a blue tricycle, and a wrap of fufu. Police said the suspect had already confessed to the crime during interrogation.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling sexual and gender-based crimes.
He also appealed to parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
More details disclosed by Iringe-Koko confirmed that the suspect is under police in custody while investigations continue.
