A teenage girl has narrated her horrific ordeal in the hands of her guardian, who allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual abuse after bringing her from Abia State to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, under the guise of caring for his elderly mother.
The 14-year-old victim, whose identity is being protected, disclosed that the abuse began when she was just 12 years old. She alleged that her guardian, Daniel Isaac, 26, would force her to swallow a white substance after each incident of defilement.
Isaac, a native of Ohafia Local Government Area in Abia State but resident in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, was recently apprehended by operatives of the Rivers State Police Command following credible intelligence about his criminal activities.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest on Friday, explaining that the case was reported to the Hawk Tactical Team after the suspect’s actions were exposed.
According to the PPRO, investigations revealed that Isaac brought the minor from his village supposedly to assist with caring for his aged mother, but instead turned her into an object of sexual gratification.
How the Crime Was Uncovered
The suspect’s actions came to light through the vigilance of a neighbour, Joy, an Imo State indigene residing in the same compound with Isaac in Port Harcourt.
Joy recounted how her second daughter informed her in December last year that the girl living with Isaac had confided in her about being sexually abused. Initially assuming the victim was Isaac’s daughter, Joy said she was troubled by the revelation but lacked concrete evidence to act.
“The information weighed heavily on my conscience. I had no peace of mind, but I didn’t know how to proceed without proof,” Joy explained.
Her suspicions were confirmed when she heard crying sounds emanating from Isaac’s room. After confronting him indirectly through her daughter, Joy strategically arranged to speak with the victim privately.
“When the man left the house the following morning, we called the girl and she opened up about everything. The moment he returned, residents confronted him and alerted the police,” Joy narrated.
Victim’s Harrowing Account
In her statement to law enforcement officers, the victim detailed how Isaac routinely administered a white substance to her before sexually assaulting her. She further alleged that he employed intimidation tactics, threatening her with a knife and charms to ensure her silence.
The traumatized teenager’s testimony has formed the basis of the police investigation into the matter.
Suspect Admits to Crime
During interrogation, Isaac confessed to the allegations, admitting to having carnal knowledge of the minor on six occasions.
When questioned about his awareness of the victim’s age, the suspect acknowledged that she was underage. However, he dismissed his actions as “a mistake.”
Contradicting the victim’s account, Isaac claimed the white substance was malaria medication, insisting he administered it after, not before, the sexual acts. He also denied defiling her on the day of his arrest, stating that the last incident occurred in October 2025.
He further claimed to have avoided sexual contact during her menstrual periods.
Expressing remorse, the suspect advised other men against engaging in unlawful sexual conduct.
Police Caution Parents
Speaking on the development, CSP Iringe-Koko urged parents and guardians to exercise greater caution when entrusting their children, particularly minors, to the care of others.
“Parents must be vigilant and conduct proper background checks before releasing their children to live with relatives or acquaintances. This unfortunate incident underscores the dangers that lurk when such decisions are made hastily,” the police spokesperson stated.
The suspect is expected to be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
