The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 27-year-old labourer, Mima Chinecherem, for allegedly raping and killing an 80-year-old woman, Felicia Aderibigbe, in Ore, Odigbo local government area of the state.
According to the police public relations officer in the state, Funmilayo Omisanya, the suspect committed the crime on May 17, 2023, while the deceased was on her farm. When the old woman did not return home, her children began to search for her, and the suspect’s suspicious behavior led to his apprehension.
Omisanya revealed that Mima Chinecherem specialises in Banga cutting, and he allegedly pegged a palm frond in front of the deceased’s house at night, claiming it was dropped by the deceased’s children on their mother’s farmland. When the children noticed the palm frond and searched Mima Chinecherem, they found the dead woman’s mobile phone on him.
During interrogation, the suspect revealed he saw a cutlass, bucket, and mask at the boundary of the deceased’s farm. The police spokesperson stated that all suspects arrested would be charged to court after investigations are completed.
Instances of rape and sexual assault have become rampant in Nigeria, and the authorities have been fighting to curb the menace. The government must take drastic measures to prevent and prosecute sexual offenders to ensure that justice is served, and the victims and their families receive closure.
