A 48-year-old man, identified simply as David, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Otu-Jeremi Division, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, for allegedly defiling his 10-year-old daughter and infecting her with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV.

The suspect, who is reportedly living with HIV/AIDS, was apprehended on Friday morning following a distressing report by his wife, whose suspicion was aroused after their daughter appeared visibly sick and emaciated.

It was gathered that the mother took the child to a medical facility, where tests confirmed the minor’s HIV status. Upon interrogation, the girl disclosed that her father had been sexually assaulting her over a period of time.

A medical examination carried out by the Police further confirmed repeated sexual penetration of the child by her father.

Sources from the community revealed that the suspect, David, had allegedly been sleeping with unsuspecting women in the locality, with reports indicating that he might have also infected his wife with the virus.

Efforts to speak with the child were unsuccessful, as she declined comments. However, there are strong indications that the suspect’s family members have been mounting pressure on his wife to withdraw the case from the Police and recant her statements in order to facilitate David’s release from custody.

When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrest. In a text message to Vanguard, he stated: “I don’t know about AIDS but yes, he is in custody.”

In a follow-up phone conversation, he reiterated, “Yes! The man is in custody.”

Meanwhile, renowned human rights activist, Israel Joe, has condemned the incident and called on the Delta State Police Command to ensure that the suspect is kept away from the public to forestall further spread of the virus.

He also appealed to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women Affairs to urgently intervene by providing the child with appropriate medical care and psycho-social support to ensure her recovery and well-being.

Joe emphasised the need for justice in the case, urging authorities to remain steadfast and resist any attempt to subvert the course of justice in favour of the suspect.