Lagos State Police Command, Nigeria, arrested a 70-year-old farmer on August 29, 2024, for allegedly sexually abusing his 14-year-old daughter, authorities said Thursday.
Bashiru Abiodun, residing at No. 26, Papa-Ado Street in the Agbowa community of Lagos State, was taken into custody by the Agbowa-Ejirin division following allegations of sexual abuse against his teenage daughter.
The victim’s mother, identified only as Mrs. Abiodun, told police, “My daughter informed me that her father had been sexually abusing her before I caught him in the act.”
According to Mrs. Abiodun, confronting her husband about the allegations led to arguments and hostility. She claims he then attempted to silence the family by selling their house.
“He put our only house up for sale and received partial payment from a buyer. He then relocated to the Itu Kosomi community,” Mrs. Abiodun said. “My husband seems to believe that selling the house will punish us into dropping the accusations.”
At the police station, a community member alleged that Abiodun had also abused his daughter from a previous marriage, who is now an adult.
The victim, whose name is withheld due to her age, stated, “My father occasionally engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with me.”
Lagos State Police Command is conducting an ongoing investigation into the allegations. Authorities urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
Child protection advocates emphasize the importance of reporting suspected abuse and providing support for victims of family violence.
