The Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN) is demanding swift legal action following the alleged defilement of a nine-year-old girl by a 15-year-old boy in a family compound.
The incident, which has caused outrage among child rights advocates, reportedly occurred after the victim was placed in her father’s custody following a parental separation.
According to reports, the victim’s mother and father separated approximately seven months ago. The mother alleged that the father refused to provide financial support for the children unless they lived with him.
Relying on the perceived safety of a family compound, she eventually conceded to his demands.
“I was forced to release the children to him with the belief that they would be safe there because it is a family compound,” the mother stated.
Her sense of security was shattered two weeks ago when she received a distressing call informing her that her daughter had been sexually abused.
The alleged perpetrator is the 15-year-old son of her ex-husband’s close friend.
The ACVPN became involved on April 24, 2026, advising the mother to report the matter immediately to the Makinde Police Station. Following the report, the suspect was apprehended, and the young survivor was taken to a Lagos State-approved Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for medical examination and forensic evidence collection.
A representative from ACVPN highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that their attention was drawn to the case on the 24th of April, and they immediately encouraged the mother to make an entry at the Makinde Police Station to ensure the process of justice began without delay.
The case has since seen significant procedural movement.
On April 28, 2026, the case file and suspect were transferred to the Lagos State Police Command, Gender Unit, G.R.A, Ikeja. Currently, the victim has undergone a medical assessment, and the investigation by the Gender Unit is ongoing.
Despite the transfer of the case, the ACVPN notes that the matter has yet to be mentioned in court.
“ACVPN is still waiting for the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command to charge the case to court,” the organisation stated in their official report. “We remain committed to monitoring this case to ensure that the rights of the child are protected and justice is served.”
The Lagos State Police Command has not yet released an official statement regarding the specific timeline for the arraignment.
