The Plateau State Police Command has threatened that anyone, regardless of status or title of office, who approaches police to plead on behalf of a rape or defilement suspect will be arrested and charged as an accessory after the fact.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, who issued the threat while addressing newsmen in Jos, said rape and defilement are not family matters but felonies against the state, adding that no individual, group, or institution has the authority to shield offenders from justice.

CP Ewah further issued firm directives to 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.

“Furthermore, 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 said.

He therefore urged 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 our social media platforms.

The Commissioner of Police mentioned the case of defilement of a nine-year-old girl at Fajul village of Langtang South local government area of the state by a 43-year-old man, Nanmwa Vongjen.

Upon receipt of this report, the victim was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she is currently receiving medical attention, while the suspect was arrested and detained for further investigation. In the course of interviewing the suspect, he admitted to the crime and claimed that he acted under the influence of alcohol.”

CP Ewah said the case is currently under investigation at the State Juvenile Welfare Center (SJWC), adding that the suspect will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation. (Nigerian Tribune)