- The Police spokesperson angered many Nigerians after taking a soft stance on child exploitation.
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The angry reactions followed CSP Adejobi’s comments that the force will not prosecute an alleged child exploitation crime.
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Nevertheless, the police have arrested the father who was sexually exploiting his four-year-old daughter.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, shocked Nigerians on Sunday after announcing that the police will not prosecute an alleged child exploitation crime.
Adejobi was responding to calls to arrest and prosecute Musa Suleman, the father of a minor, who was using an Instagram page to sexually exploit his daughter.
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Suleman posted indecent photos and videos of his daughter on Instagram, depicting her as a model. (Instagram has taken down the page)
In some photos, the minor was bare-chested and wearing only an underwear. In others, she was seen wearing a G-string, a string-like piece consisting of a narrow piece of material that barely covers the genitals.
Despite the disturbing photos making it to the Internet, the police spokesman in Nigeria said the force would not prosecute the crime.
Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003 protects children from various forms of sexual abuse and exploitation prejudicial to the welfare of the child. Section 32 of the act says an offender is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 14 years.
The Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act 2024 also frowns against “realistic images representing a minor engaged in sexually exploit conduct.” The act prescribes jail terms ranging from five to 15 years for offenders.
POLICE SPOKESMAN’S REJECTION OF PROSECUTION
Despite the violation of multiple laws, Adejobi said the police would prefer to “counsel” the parents of the child rather than prosecute them.
The police spokesperson, who is known for controversial statements, said prosecuting the alleged child exploitation offender would expose the girl to “the rots in our system and moral dangers.”
However, there are organisations who shelter child exploitation victims after the punishment of their wards.
“This is an act of indecency and exposing the young child to moral dangers. The PPRO of Edo command will take it up and counsel the parents rather than prosecute them,” Adejobi wrote.
“Many of us don’t know the implications of what we do. We will educate them, and many alike. This kind of a thing will expose the girl to the rots in our system and moral dangers.
“Not in all cases we prosecute, there is a room for ADR and CSR in our duties, and we shall be adopting such.”
ANGRY REACTIONS TO DECISION NOT TO PROSECUTE
Unsurprisingly, the police spokesperson’s statement did not go down well with Nigerians on social media who angrily disagreed with the move.
Most reactions condemned Adejobi’s statement and asked the police to arrest and prosecute the alleged child exploiter.
A lawyer, Moe Odele, said the police PRO was wrong about his assertion of counseling the suspected criminal. She asked the police to do their job of prosecuting Suleman.
“You are wrong. The Criminal Code, the Child’s Right Act and the Cybercrime Act list what he has done here as offenses. Do your actual job – and it is not counseling,” Odele wrote on X.
You are wrong. The Criminal Code, the Child’s Right Act and the Cybercrime Act list what he has done here as offenses. Do your actual job – and it is not counseling. https://t.co/N1yALdwWxQ
— Moe (@Mochievous) May 12, 2024
Singer, Simi Kosoko, was also left speechless, writing that she did not know what to say.
Smh I don't even know what to say tbh https://t.co/zTwbVZnRKM
— Simi (@SympLySimi) May 12, 2024
Others echoed their stance, seeking the prosecution of the suspect.
Bobrisky is in Kirikiri for throwing money but they want to counsel pedophiles… I hate this country https://t.co/m8Oa55SxPu
— DONT TOUCH MY BALENCIAGA (@Ic3Wrld) May 12, 2024
A rape victim goes to the station to report her abuser, with evidence of torn clothes and bruises but they instead force her to drop it and forgive him
A sick pedophilic father post photos of his own kid depicting her in the worst light ever, but “it’s not in all cases we… https://t.co/PjSLCIgn7R
— •Mel•🏂 (@DrMel_) May 12, 2024
“Why are you bringing it to Twitter? Go and report to the police.”
The police: https://t.co/pLgCcA0QM2
— Ụlọma (@ulxma) May 12, 2024
Last I checked it’s not for you to judge what is moral or immoral- or even to pass judgement at all
Your job is to weigh if a crime has been committed & prosecute so the judiciary can judge.
CSR is organizing a charity football match and not concealing a crime under counseling. https://t.co/Fd1jCMJNkJ
— Edmund Olotu of the small Bag (@pyjama_ceo) May 12, 2024
We are in Hell! . You, a police man described it as mere indecency, despite it involving a child. It’s disgraceful, and those responsible, including the parents, photographers , should be held accountable. You should be very ashamed of yourself. Disgusting!!!!! https://t.co/17rrb5oXxo
— Renè The Leader ❤ (@Rene_noire) May 12, 2024
This is ridiculous!!! You dont have the facts of the case but you've already taken the position to counsel rather than prosecute. We do not take the welfare of children seriously in this country and it's a damn shame https://t.co/tgzNW6DRMA
— Toyin baby ❤️❤️ all the best dear (@duchesskk) May 12, 2024
Let’s all remember that ;
An adult man having sex with another adult men consensually =14years in prison
A father handing his 3year old child to adult men to take his daughter to hotel and clubs so they can take unclad pictures of her=Counsel https://t.co/uIHp6b8zvc— NON-SO (@upcoming_shef) May 12, 2024
This is the police y’all tell sexual assault victims to report to?
On social media, it looks like a big deal but in the real world, it’s almost like someone sneezed on you. All manner or excuse and victim blaming just to tell you to clean it up and keep moving. https://t.co/uIHp6b8zvc— NON-SO (@upcoming_shef) May 12, 2024
No psyche eval for the child. No tests. No Drugs, alcohol or disease tests. Just counselling for an adult sexually exploiting a female child. A horrible horrible system. https://t.co/GPVveH4CRN
— Ifenkili (@BoredLilith) May 12, 2024
You’re a disgrace. https://t.co/17rrb5oXxo
— Renè The Leader ❤ (@Rene_noire) May 12, 2024
Unreal scenes.
Unreal. https://t.co/NoRaO0K9yF
— Mo-Mo (@Morris_Monye) May 12, 2024
Hate this guy and the Nigerian police force with every fibre of my being https://t.co/hpp2kEgDaE
— Dej (@DejiNotDope) May 12, 2024
Arrest & threaten to kill innocent people, defend violent criminals & pedophiles.
I not surprised? No.
“Your officials are rebels—they associate with thieves. All of them love bribery & look for payoffs. They do not take up the cause of the orphan”
Isaiah 1:23a NETPedolovers. https://t.co/XaBSDGuqtT
— DaSuKi (@chukaobi) May 12, 2024
What is being down to that child is a CRIME and you a police officer is talking about counseling the parents as a response. You don't even know your work. Stupid fellow https://t.co/hpp2kEgDaE pic.twitter.com/Ed5lQtJBeb
— Dej (@DejiNotDope) May 12, 2024
Prince Muyiwa, you need to either be retrained or sacked.
1. The act complained about is already criminalised and the penalty is defined by law – it isn't counseling.
2. Even though the Police has prosecutorial discretion, so why don't you also use this "counselling tactics"… https://t.co/5MBk0HlOMv
— Equivocator™ (@Oluwanonso_Esq) May 12, 2024
POLICE ARREST MINOR’S FATHER
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has arrested Suleman, the father of the exploited minor.
The command’s PRO, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said investigation has commenced into the father’s act.
The state’s police commissioner, CP Funsho Adegboye, also urged the public to be calm, promising that justice will be served.
“The Edo State Police Command is aware of the trending video of a child of about 4 years old conspicuously naked and used as an adult content in an undisclosed hotel in Auchi, Edo State,” the statement reads.
“The Commissioner of Police Edo State Command, CP Funsho Adegboye, mni immediately drafted tactical team to goall [sic] out and arrest the suspect and his cohort. Within 12 hours, the father of the girl was arrested, investigation has commenced further revelation will be made known to the public.
“The CP therefore appeal to the good citizens of Nigeria to remain calm that justice will be serve.”
FURTHER READING
It is currently unclear whether the Edo police command will follow Adejobi’s lead of counseling the alleged child exploiter and not prosecute him.
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