The Delta State Police Command has issued a strong warning to parents about the consequences of concealing cases of child defilement, emphasising the severe legal ramifications attached to such an act.

The Delta State Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, in a statement posted on Sunday via X.com, highlighted the importance of transparency in handling these cases. He urged parents not to hide incidents involving their children.

Edafe stated, “A sexual intercourse with either a boy or a girl under the age of 13 years is defilement, and the punishment if found guilty is life imprisonment. Section 218 CC. In this case, consent is immaterial and such offences can’t be compounded. So, going to court and swearing to an affidavit won’t work. In fact, any parent who tries to cover defilement could be charged to court for aiding and abetting.”

According to the Nigerian Criminal Code, the law specifies that any person who unlawfully engages in carnal knowledge of a child under 13 years old is guilty of a felony and faces life imprisonment, with or without caning.

In a related case, on June 17, 2024, the Ogun State Police Command arrested Femi Onayemi for an alleged incident involving a 13-year-old girl in the Obada-Oko area. PUNCH Metro reported that the suspect had been hired by the girl’s parents as a tutor in 2023. The parents were shocked when Onayemi scaled their fence to access the girl’s room.

Ogun State Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed the incident and the arrest of Onayemi.

Authorities continue to encourage the public to be vigilant and report any instances of child defilement to ensure justice and the safety of minors.