BY RITA OYIBOKA
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 54-year-old Mr Edward Odega for the alleged sexual assault of his three daughters.
This was revealed yesterday by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, in a video he sent to The Pointer from the Ugborikoko Division.
He explained that the breakthrough came after the division, led by DPO Temi Zuokumor and in collaboration with the Crime Stoppers Program (CSP), conducted educational visits to local schools.
The program focused on enlightening children, particularly girls, about their rights and encouraging them to report abuse or exploitation.
“Thanks to the proactive efforts of our DPO, children in our jurisdiction were made to understand that they should not be scared to speak out about what is happening to them. This outreach proved crucial in uncovering a long-standing abuse within a family,” he said.
The campaign bore immediate results when a 13-year-old student disclosed ongoing sexual abuse by her father, following encouragement from the school outreach. The victim’s friend corroborated the abuse, revealing that the father had also abused her.
The accused from Aniocha North Local Government allegedly sexually abused all three of his daughters, including a 24-year-old, a 15-year-old, and a 13-year-old.
During the interrogation of the suspect, the man blamed the devil for sleeping with his daughters.
According to the police spokesperson, the eldest daughter had been abused since she was 12. The case was reported to authorities after the girls opened up, leading to their immediate rescue.
During questioning, the suspect admitted to the acts, which reportedly began seven years ago. SP Bright confirmed that the children have been taken for medical examinations and are now under police protection.
The eldest daughter, recounting her ordeal, said she had been too ashamed to report the abuse. “I was shy, and I thought it was an abomination to speak about it,” she said. The middle child, aged 15, revealed that the school outreach encouraged her to finally break her silence after crying in class.
SP Edafe Bright called the case “deeply saddening” and reiterated the importance of proactive policing and community engagement in protecting vulnerable children.
“This is a reminder that our outreach programs are not just educational; they can save lives and uncover crimes that might otherwise remain hidden,” he said.
The police have assured the public that the suspect is in custody and will face full prosecution under Nigerian law.
