|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Summary: On February 8, 2026, Kogi State Police arrested 50-year-old Ernest Obetule after he was caught at a Lokoja hotel attempting to sexually exploit a 14-year-old survivor. The arrest followed the survivor’s courageous report to authorities, which included recorded evidence of Obetule grooming her and arranging a meeting for sexual purposes.
On February 8, 2026, the Kogi State Police operatives arrested a 50-year-old Ernest Obetule for the attempted sexual exploitation of a 14-year-old girl. Ernest, who was a former associate of the survivor’s late father, targeted the minor through several phone calls and text messages, planning to isolate her.
During these recorded conversations, Ernest groomed the minor, promising to take care of her and suggesting they have a nice time together at a hotel. He further attempted to manipulate the 14-year-old by asking her what she wanted for Valentine’s Day,
“When you make me happy, we make ourselves happy tomorrow. What do you want for Valentine’s?”
The call revealed Ernest explicitly instructed the survivor on how to evade her mother’s supervision and navigate the logistics of the meeting. When the survivor mentioned a lack of funds for transportation, he offered N1,000 and mentioned using protection.
He explained to the 14-year-old the use of a condom, “You know what a condom is? The male wears it to protect both partners. so that she doesn’t get pregnant.” He further pressured her during the exchange to take care of her. “Let me take care of you, then 50-50. We will be a baby forever.”
Following the survivor’s report and submission of this evidence, police tracked Ernest Obetule to the designated hotel. During the arrest, officers recovered condoms at the scene, which are now being held as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The survivor is currently under state protection. Ernest remains in police custody and faces charges under Nigerian laws criminalising the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors.
