Lagos Police Detain 114 Suspects in Child Defilement Cases, 24 for Sexual Assault Crimes In 2025

The Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command detained 114 individuals on defilement charges and an additional 24 suspects for sexual assault by penetration throughout 2025, according to official records.

Data obtained by The Guardian indicates the specialized unit processed 18 cases between January 1 and December 1, 2025, with all cases forwarded to court. The unit operates under the leadership of Officer Commanding ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem.

Additional arrest statistics show one person was detained for human trafficking, three for child abuse, and two for child abduction. The unit also documented 14 domestic violence incidents and arrested 10 individuals on rape charges.

Further analysis of the data shows two suspects were apprehated for issuing threats to life, one child was reported missing, and three people were detained for failing to provide necessary care. Seventeen suspects faced arrest for assault, three for indecent treatment of children, and one for causing grievous bodily harm. The unit also handled two cases involving denial of access.

According to Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi, the Lagos State police maintain their dedication to eliminating gender-based violence and prosecuting offenders.

She emphasized the unit’s commitment to securing justice for survivors and upholding professional standards. “We will lead with professionalism anchored in international best practice; our officers serve with discipline guided by law, ethics and respect for human dignity; and we will stand, credibly and consistently, on the side of peace.”

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