A 50-year-old man was on Wednesday arrested over alleged defilement of a 15-month-old baby at the Swali area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa capital.

Chairperson of Bayelsa chapter of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs. Dise Ogbise, said that the arrest followed a report by FIDA to the police.

She described the development as barbaric and ‎wicked act to impede the healthy development of the child.

“It is barbaric and inhuman. We condemn it and call on mothers to be vigilante and careful with their girl child,” she said

The suspect, identified as Oku Ekanem, was arrested by the men of the State Anti-Crime squad known as Door Akpor.

The incident, which occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on Monday, sparked off anger among residents. The accused, a lover to Madam Blessing Joshua, the 40-year-old mother of the victim, was caught red handed while defiling the crying child.

Narrating what happened to FIDA, she said: “It happened on Monday at about 1:00 a.m. I was watching television with my neighbour till late and retired to bed at about 1:00 a.m.

“It was not quit long, I heard the scream of my child and ran to the side, but was shocked when I saw him defiling my child.

“He claimed it was the work of the devil and I told him that this would be last time the devil will use him and that I will take matter serious. He pleaded and barricaded the door to prevent me from calling neighbours.

“But I tricked him and ran outside with my child to call the police patrol team at our junction.

“He was arrested and denied the act. But a test carried out at the hospital showed otherwise.”

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