A freelance radio presenter, working with different stations, has been fingered as one of two men who sexually violated a nine-year-old girl in the Shogunle area of Lagos State.
The incident, which came to light on October 30, 2025, was reported by the Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN) after one of its referral partners alerted the organisation.
According to ACVPN, their officers were dispatched to a medical centre where the young victim was receiving treatment. Medical personnel confirmed the child had sustained bruises on her private parts. In a subsequent interview, the girl identified two adult men as her abusers.
The child recounted that one of the men lured her into his room under the pretence of fetching water, where he proceeded to touch her inappropriately. She eventually fled the room but was too frightened to inform her mother, fearing punishment.
The victim’s mother explained that she had been advised by a neighbour to monitor her daughter closely after the child was seen entering one of the suspect’s rooms and remaining there for an extended period.
Acting on this tip, the mother sought medical attention for her daughter and reported the incident to the Shogunle Police Station on October 29. The child was referred to Mirabel Centre at LASUTH, Ikeja, for further examination.
On November 5, one of the alleged perpetrators is a Yoruba-language sports presenter, while his partner in crime has since absconded.
The case was transferred to the Lagos State Police Command Gender Unit in Ikeja on November 7. On November 11, an ACVPN officer met with the victim’s parents, their landlord, a community chief, and the suspect’s legal representative at the Gender Unit.
During the meeting, attempts were made by the landlord, the community chief, and the suspect’s lawyer to persuade the victim’s parents to withdraw the case and settle out of court.
The ACVPN officer firmly rejected the proposal, emphasising that crimes of this nature cannot be resolved outside the judicial system. The victim’s father, however, expressed reluctance to continue with the case, citing financial compensation offered to cover his daughter’s medical expenses.
Despite mounting pressure from community members and associates of the accused, the case was formally charged in court on November 13 at the Sam Ilori Court in Ogba. The next hearing is scheduled for December 15, 2025.
In a dramatic turn at the court, the victim’s parents failed to appear, allegedly due to financial inducements from community members. ACVPN has condemned their absence and is advocating for the child to be placed in government custody, citing concerns over the parents’ conduct and the risk of further harm.
Authorities have warned that the parents may face charges as hostile witnesses and for obstruction of justice. ACVPN has commended the Officer in Charge of the Gender Unit for her unwavering commitment to ensuring justice is served, despite intense external pressure.
The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings progress.
