NAPTIP dispatches crack investigators following alleged defilement of minors by Lebanese in Jos

By YANGE IKYAA

The director-general of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has dispatched a crack team of investigators to Jos, the Plateau State capital, to join the NAPTIP office in the city and other sister law enforcement ggencies to carry out a thorough investigation on the Lebanese national, Mr. Suleiman (AKA Simo), who is allegedly involved in the defilement of minors and in using them for pornographic activities.

The crack team, drawn from the NAPTIP headquarters, Abuja and the Makurdi zonal command, is led by the director of investigation, Mr. Daniel Atokolo.

It will be recalled that the city of Jos has witnessed series of unrests in the last week, following allegations within the Abattoir Community in Jos South local government area of Plateau State that the Lebanese, for over two years, has been defiling young underage girls and using them for pornographic activities.

Pandemonium broke out on Wednesday, May 12, when one of the victims, whose parents had earlier declared missing, was seen by the neighbourhood vigilanté coming out from the suspect’s house. This led to the arrest of the Lebanese by the Police.

While interviewing the victim, she mentioned what transpired at the suspect’s house with 10 other victims who have also been allegedly defiled by Mr. Simo.

Investigation is still ongoing to establish the usage of these minors in the production of pornographic materials.

However, one of the victims (13 years old) alleged that the suspect, apart from sexually abusing them, puts his fingers in their private parts, while playing pornographic materials to them. She is also alleged to be using the girls for pornographic displays to excite him. One of the victims (12 years old) is also alleged to be pregnant for the suspect.

These allegations are in contravention of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) 2015, which is administered by NAPTIP.

While dispatching the investigation team to Jos, NAPTIP director-general directed the members to be thorough in their activities. He also urged them to seek collaboration from sister law enforcement agencies, where necessary, warning further that compromise in any form in the matter will not be tolerated.

The NAPTIP boss however advised parents to be weary of those with whom they leave their children, and where they go, as pedophiles and other child abusers are on the prowl, looking for children to destroy.