A 38-year-old Islamic cleric, Abdul-Lateef Mustapha, has been arrested by police officers in Lagos State for allegedly defiling his wife’s nine-year-old niece.

The Cleric who claimed it was the first time he was doing it and apologized was challenged by the minor who said he had raped her more than three times.

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According to the Nation, the child had earlier complained to neighbours that she was being sexually molested by her aunt’s husband but they did not believe her until neighbours caught him in the act on Saturday.

The man was apprehended by members of the Child Protection Network (CPN) in Somolu and handed over to the Bariga Police Station on Sunday.

It was also alleged that relatives of the suspect wanted to cover it up but his wife and two others quickly alerted the CPN unit in Somolu.

Confirming the incident, head of CPN in Somolu Toyin Okanlawon said the victim has been taken to the Mirable Centre for examination.

He said: “The family all bombarded the station in Hijab and Jalamia dress pleading that the Alfa be released. As it stands now, the victim is not safe in that house. She and her aunt slept at the station for their safety following the reaction of the man’s relatives.

“We have appealed to the Juvenile Centre at Alakara in Mushin to provide shelter for the victim. She was brought from Kano last January by her aunt so that she could be looked after properly but the woman’s husband turned a predator.

“I specially commend the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Bariga because he provided food for the victim and her aunt when he realised they have not eaten. He also calmed the girl down because she was tearful and traumatized.”