The Rivers State Police Command has launched an inquiry into the alleged sexual abuse of two minors, a 10-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, by a 45-year-old man named Paschal.
The inquiry is being overseen by the Nkpolu Police Division (UST), Mile 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt.
Sources revealed that the investigation began after formal complaints were submitted at the police station by Mrs. Ada, mother of the 10-year-old boy, and Mr. Alex, father of the 11-year-old girl, both living in the neighbourhood.
The suspect is reportedly a resident of the Pipeline axis in Egbelu, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State and was allegedly familiar to the families of the supposed victims.
A human rights advocate, Mr. Prince Wiro, who also serves as the National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, confirmed that the case was brought to his attention by the parents of the minors.
He said he went with them to the Nkpolu Police Division, where the matter was officially recorded and the necessary steps, including medical referrals, were carried out.
Mr. Wiro praised the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Nkpolu Police Division for what he described as a thorough and professional handling of the case.
He, however, voiced worry over alleged efforts by some persons in the Egbelu area to settle the issue privately instead of letting the law take its course, stressing the need for justice and due process.
When reached, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would issue an official response but had not done so as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the father of the 11-year-old girl has rejected any form of settlement with the suspect and maintained that the matter should be thoroughly investigated by the police to ensure justice is done.
