26-year-old Man Defiles Four-year-old Pupil In Oyo
Oyo State Police Command on Thursday arrested a 26-year-old school gateman, identified as Josiah Ayomide, over the alleged defilement of a four-year-old pupil of his school in Ibadan.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, while addressing newsmen at the Police headquarters, Eleyele, in Ibadan, said the victim had on August 29, 2025, complained of pains in her private part to her eldest sister.
He explained that the victim later told her mother that her school gatekeeper had unlawfully raped her while she was at school.
Osifeso added that the suspect confessed to the crime after his arrest.
“The suspect would be prosecuted upon completion of investigation.”
In another development, the command also arrested Azeez Kolawole and Isah Fatai at Soka Sanyo area for allegedly stealing goats around Ibadan and its environs using a Toyota Matrix without a number plate.
He added that the suspects have confessed to the crime, while investigations are ongoing to locate other members of their syndicate.
Other arrests by the command included suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and hijackers, among others.
Cases of sexual abuse against children in schools have been a growing concern in Nigeria, prompting calls for stricter screening of school staff and enhanced protection measures.
Incidents of school gatekeepers, teachers, and other staff allegedly defiling pupils have been reported in several states, highlighting the vulnerability of children in educational institutions.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, in a statement, disclosed that the suspects belonged to a syndicate that repeatedly lured the survivor with N500 and raped her at different times and locations.
He explained that the case was reported on August 12, 2025, by Yusuf Muhammad and Danjuma Muhammad of Misau, who alleged that in July, several individuals lured their daughter (name withheld) with money and assaulted her at different locations.
Medical and child protection experts stress the importance of prompt reporting, medical examination, and psychological support for victims of sexual abuse.
Advocacy groups, such as Stand to End Rape Initiative and Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative, have repeatedly called on state governments and educational authorities to implement rigorous vetting of school personnel, regular monitoring, and community awareness programs to prevent such crimes.
