The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 52-year-old man, identified as Tomswell Feyi, over the alleged sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl in the Ebute Metta area of the state.

The suspect, who reportedly lives on the same street as the victim on Aiyetoro Street, Ebute Metta, was accused of luring the girl into his room and sexually assaulting her.

The incident reportedly came to light on Thursday night after the girl’s mother raised the alarm when her daughter failed to return home from an errand.

A police source said the girl’s father had sent her to buy bread at about 9 p.m., but she did not return as expected.

According to the source, the mother became worried when the child remained missing about 20 minutes after leaving home.

The source disclosed that the woman later encountered the suspect and asked whether he had seen her daughter. The suspect allegedly told her that he had sent the child on an errand.

The mother subsequently searched the suspect’s room, where she reportedly found her daughter crying and bleeding from her vaginal area.

She immediately took the child away for medical attention.

The victim is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital for injuries and trauma allegedly sustained during the incident.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Tijani, reportedly directed that the case be transferred from the Yaba Police Division to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for further investigation.

Detectives attached to the Gender and Anti-Human Trafficking Unit are handling the investigation.

The suspect is currently in police custody and has been profiled, while arrangements are being made to charge him to court after the conclusion of the investigation.

The police have yet to announce the outcome of the investigation, and the allegation remains subject to judicial determination.