Operatives of the Special Area Rumudomaya Police Division in Rivers State have arrested a man identified simply as Mr Goodnews for allegedly defiling his neighbour’s 16-year-old daughter in the Rukpokwu area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
A family friend of the victim’s parents, Chidi Obulor, told journalists in Port Harcourt that the incident occurred on Monday, May 4, 2026.
According to him, the suspect, who lives in the same compound as the teenager along Apu Road, allegedly lured the girl into his apartment under the pretext of sending her on an errand before allegedly having unlawful carnal knowledge of her.
Obulor disclosed that following a formal complaint by the girl’s parents, operatives of the Special Area Rumudomaya Police Division swung into action and arrested the suspect.
He added that the victim was immediately taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspect, noting that investigation was ongoing.
Meanwhile, a human rights organisation, Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, has condemned alleged attempts by some individuals under the umbrella of an organisation in the area to settle the matter out of court.
The National Coordinator of the group, Prince Wiro, said crimes involving sexual abuse should not be treated as private matters.
“Yes, the victim/parents are the nominal complainants in the matter, but the crime is not only against the victim but also against the state,” he said in a voice note sent to journalists.
“Crimes of this nature are intentional, not a mistake and when perpetrators escape facing justice by way of settlement, it emboldens others to commit the same crime.”
Wiro called on the police to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that the suspect is prosecuted if found culpable.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts were said to be underway to transfer the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Port Harcourt for further investigation.
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