picture of Inspector General of Police,IGP Kayode Egbetokun
A group, Rainbow Watch And Development Centre has alleged that Mr Emmanuel,the station officer of Area Command,Bori,Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State,Nigeria gave the thirteen year old girl 200 naira for transport after allegedly defiling her .
Executive Director of the group Michael Gbarale made the claims in a statement on Thursday 25 January,2024.
Comrade Gbarale also claimed that some powerful persons are making efforts to coerce the mother of the defilement victim to settle the matter in order to truncate justice.
The group,however tasked the Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DCP) incharge of State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to conduct an unbiased, comprehensive investigation into the alleged defilement of a thirteen-year-old minor by the Station Officer of Bori Area Command, Mr. Emmanuel.
“Rainbow Watch and Development Centre is deeply disturbed and saddened by the recent incident of defilement involving a 13-year-old child (name withheld) in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State. This heinous crime was allegedly perpetrated by the Station Officer, Area Command, Bori, Superintendent Emmanuel in his office at the Area Command Bori.
“According to the child, the officer called her pretending to buy bananas from her, and later asked her to return to collect money for the purchase. Disturbingly, when the child returned for her payment, she was held hostage in the officer’s office. Supol Emmanuel Torkiyene threatened to slap and even shoot her if she made any noise. Furthermore, he committed the heinous act of defiling her, and she was held captive until the following day, Saturday, 13th January 2024.
“Shockingly, all she received for the banana was a mere sum of #500, along with #200 for transportation.Upon reporting the incident on the Saturday ,13th January, the child was taken by the Divisional Crime Officer 2, for a medical examination, which revealed a broken hymen and bruises on her private part.
“We have petitioned the relevant authorities, including the office of the Commissioner of Police, to ensure that justice is served and the victim receives the necessary care and support.
The matter has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation”.
Mr Gbarale disclosed that the group has received information suggesting that some persons are attempting to coerce and persuade the caregiver of the victim into settling the matter privately, rather than pursuing justice through the legal system.
He said the group express their strong disapproval of any attempts to obstruct justice and shield the perpetrator from accountability.
Mr Gbarale stated that the investigation should be conducted promptly and thoroughly, taking into account all available evidence and testimonies relating to the incident. It is crucial that the truth is uncovered and appropriate actions are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the victim, and to prevent such acts from recurring in the future.
Recall that the Spokesperson of Rivers Sate Police Command,SP Grace Iringe Koko confirmed the arrest of the Police Officer while adding that investigation is ongoing to ascertain what happened and if the officer is culpable he will face the law.
SP Koko however,added that the Officer,Mr Emmanuel had denied defiling the thirteen year old girl.