Delta-based human rights activist Israel Joe has called for immediate justice following the alleged rape of a nine-year-old girl by a 30-year-old man in Sapele, Delta State.
In a social media statement, Joe accused local authorities of slowing down the prosecution process, claiming that despite the arrest and report of the incident at the Sapele Police Division, the suspect has not been formally charged to court.
He alleged that the victim’s mother, a single parent, has repeatedly visited the station in search of justice, while officers handling the case allegedly demanded payment before moving forward with prosecution.
The activist further claimed that even after escalating the matter to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, the suspect had still not been arraigned, raising concerns about compliance with directives from higher authorities.
Joe described the alleged assault as extremely severe and emotionally distressing, saying the child suffered significant physical trauma. He urged police leadership to intervene urgently and ensure the case is prosecuted without further delay.
In a detailed statement attributed to him, Joe also accused some officers of complicity and corruption, alleging that the case had been stalled despite medical evidence and the suspect’s arrest since April 20.
He questioned why the case had not been taken to court, alleging that financial demands placed on the victim’s family were obstructing justice in a matter involving a serious criminal offence.
The activist further expressed frustration over what he described as repeated assurances from senior police officials that had not translated into action, insisting that the situation reflects a breakdown in accountability within the handling of the case.
Joe warned that he would continue to publicly highlight the matter if progress is not made, alleging that silence and internal complaints had failed to produce results in similar cases in the past.
The Delta State Police Command has not yet issued a detailed public response to the allegations, and the current status of prosecution proceedings remains unclear.
