The Plateau State Police Command has promised to arrest anyone, irrespective of status or official position, who approaches the police to plead on behalf of a rape or defilement suspect.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, while addressing newsmen in Jos, explained that rape and defilement are not family matters but felonies against the state, saying that no individual, group or institution has the authority to shield offenders from justice.
Ewah directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) that all reported cases of rape and defilement must be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the state.
According to the commissioner, “Any person, regardless of status, title, or office, who approaches the police to plead on behalf of a rape or defilement suspect will be arrested and charged as an accessory after the fact. You cannot obstruct justice and claim to be a custodian of peace.”
He advised parents and guardians to be vigilant, protect their children, and report any suspicion or incident immediately to the nearest police station or through the emergency lines made available on official social media platforms.
He further explained the case of defilement of a nine-year-old girl at Fajul village in Langtang South Local Government Area of the state by a 43-year-old man, Nanmwa Vongjen.
He said that upon receipt of the report, the victim was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she is currently receiving medical attention.
The commissioner added that the suspect was arrested and detained for further investigation, noting that during interrogation he admitted to the crime and claimed he acted under the influence of alcohol.
Ewah said the case is currently under investigation at the State Juvenile Welfare Centre (SJWC), assuring that the suspect will be charged in court immediately after the investigation is completed.
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