The Edo State Police Command has arrested a father who uses his 4-year-old daughter for adult contents.
This follows an alert from Nigerians on social media who drew the attention of relevant authorities to the obscene photos of the minor posted on an Instagram account handled by the suspect.
Some of the photos include those of the minor in suggestive poses and thongs.
Others photos were taken at hotels in the company of her father and grown men.
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The father also posted a flyer with a photo of the minor naked except for an underwear, announcing her birthday party scheduled to hold on May 28, 2024, at Spring Leaders Montessori School in Auchi.
Social media users feared that the minor is a victim of sexual exploitation and called on the police to immediately arrest the men, including the photographer who took the birthday photos.
Reacting to the photos and subsequent outcry by Nigerians in a statement, Nigeria Police Force, Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said investigation revealed that the father of the girl was involved and was consequently arrested.
His statement reads in part: “The Nigeria Police Force acknowledges the public outcry in response to disturbing images and videos involving a 4-year-old child with the Instagram handle @officialsarah_ig, circulating on social media.
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“The content portrays the young child in inappropriate poses, akin to adult contents. The Force expresses profound shock and grave concern over the apparent exploitation of this vulnerable child and unequivocally condemns such actions in the strongest terms possible.
“Prima facie investigations indicate the involvement of the child’s father, who has been apprehended by the Police at the Auchi Divisional Police Headquarters, Edo State Police Command.
“Every necessary measure is being implemented to ensure that justice is swiftly served. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative to establish proactive measures to guide and counsel parents, preventing the proliferation of such anomalies in our society.
“In light of the above, the Force emphasizes the importance of implementing support systems for parents and guardians to protect the safety and well-being of their children.
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“It is crucial for caregivers to also prioritize the security of minors and seek assistance or guidance when required.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding children and upholding the law.”
Also reacting to the disturbing posts, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) urged the public to desist from further sharing photos of the child.
“This is Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSCAM) which is a crime. We are working on contacting Meta to bring down the accounts while we track the offenders,” the agency stated.
“We urge the public to desist from further sharing unsanitised pictures of this child; you are adding to the distribution of SCAM which is also a crime.”