Benjamin Daniel was arrested after a 14-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted in the Sabo Masalashi area of Bassa, Abuja
The Airport Police Command has arrested 17-year-old Benjamin Daniel over the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in the Sabo Masalashi area of Bassa, Abuja, with police saying the suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
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The incident was reported by the girl’s mother at the Abuja Airport Police Division, according to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Adeola.
Police said Daniel, who resides in Angua Mandala, allegedly lured the girl into his room on the pretext of buying some of the soya bean cake she was selling.
The suspect allegedly sexually assaulted the girl after she entered the room.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of the Abuja Airport Police Division advised the girl’s parents and facilitated her immediate medical attention.
Police personnel were subsequently deployed to locate the suspect, leading to his arrest.
The command said Daniel’s statement was obtained in the presence of his mother, in line with procedures governing the handling of juvenile suspects.
The police also said measures had been put in place to safeguard the girl’s welfare and ensure that she receives appropriate support during the investigation.
“The suspect was subsequently arrested and remains in police custody as investigation continues,” the statement said.
The command added that Daniel would be brought before a juvenile court of competent jurisdiction after the investigation is concluded.
The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, Olufunke Ogunbode, condemned the alleged assault and reaffirmed the command’s position against sexual violence.
Ogunbode reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for rape, sexual assault and all forms of sexual violence, while directing the divisional police officer to take all necessary measures to protect the victim and pursue justice in accordance with the law.
The case highlights the importance of prompt reporting and coordinated intervention in cases involving children and sexual violence.
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Police said the investigation remains ongoing, while the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident will be determined through the appropriate legal process.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
