Residents of Imiringi community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State were roused with shock following the arrest of a 43-year-old man known as Ademe for alleged serial rape and impregnation of his 12-year-old daughter (name withheld).

It was gathered that Ademe’s cup became full after the victim’s maternal uncle, Mr David Apigi, and a Bayelsa based non-governmental organisation Operation Rescue (OPER) filed a complaint with the police, which led to the arrest of the accused. The case is generating concerns amongst civil society groups in the state.

There is however controversy over the victim’s paternity, as she was handed into the custody of the accused in 2013 by her mother, Queen Apigi, who got pregnant at the age of 17. Ademe reportedly stepped forward and claimed the ownership of the child, who resembles him, after the victim’s deceased mother refused to reveal the identity of the father of her baby.

Confirming the development, Mr David Apigi, the victim’s maternal uncle said though the ordeal of the victim was not known to anyone, “My junior brother visited me with my niece and in the process of discussion she narrated how her father has been forcefully sleeping with her and even forced her to abort a four-months-old pregnancy which is causing untold pains for her.

“She begged me not to allow her go back to the house. We reported the matter to the Police and Ademe was arrested and detained at the Otuasega Police station. I also reported the matter to FIDA but their reaction was not encouraging so I decided to contact Operation Rescue (OPER) The Police are trying to play a funny game as they allow the suspect to have access to his phone and many people have been mounting pressure on us to drop the case.”

The Coordinator of OPER, Princess Elizabeth Egbe, in a petition to the State Commissioner of Police, is requesting for the immediate transfer and thorough investigation into the incident so that the culprit would be brought to book.

“The child in question was constantly raped by her biological father till she got pregnant. When the suspect heard about the pregnancy he handed her (victim) to a lady who took her through an unsuccessful process of abortion that has left her with series of health issues. She is currently undergoing several medical check-ups/treatments. The child is highly traumatised and in pains,” she said.

Princess Egbe, who said investigations by OPER indicated that Ademe has been allegedly raping minors in the community, called for the arrest of the doctor and the nurse that carried out the abortion as well as police protection for the victim.

•Photo shows a rape scene.

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