By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The Police in Akwa Ibom has arrested a middle aged man Williams Bassey for having carnal knowledge of his 20 year old daughter for over seven years.
They have also arrested six other suspects including a couple for varying cases of rape in various parts of the state in the last one month.
State Police Public Relations Officer Mr MacDon Odiko who briefed journalists on the development in Uyo yesterday said this was part of the command’s continued fight against sexual predators.
He said that Bassey’s depictable act was exposed when his daughter, an SS 3 student in one of the secondary schools in Uyo reported that matter to her school counselor who turn informed the appriopriate state government agency.
The victim is said to have been pregnant for her father three times and aborted them all while the suspect had always demanded for sex before paying her school fees.
“On 7th November, 2019, One Apostle Williams Okon Bassey ‘m’ of No. 7 Ibanga Street, Uyo, an acclaimed presiding Pastor of Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church, Obio Imo Lane, Uyo was arrested at his residence for defiling his 20year old daughter, one Miss Fortune Williams Bassey.
“The victim stated that her father started having sexual intercourse with her at the age of 13. The continuous sexual assault led her to become pregnant on three different occasions and the pregnancies were aborted by her mother.
“She further revealed that the first time her father defiled her was in the church vestry. He threatened to place a curse on her if she dares tell anyone about his escapes. He also demands for sex before paying her school fees or catering for her needs.” He explained.
The Police Odiko said also arrested one Anwanga Essien Udo, a Pastor for having unlawful carnal knowledge of his 10year old step-daughter, and one Nsikan Ufia for having unlawful carnal knowledge of one Destiny Uduak Hanson ‘f’, a 12year old girl
Also arrested was one Iniobong Okon Moses for defiling a 2year old girl, one Abasifreke Ukeme Archibong, daughter of his girlfriend from a previous marriage by forcefully defiling her thereby causing her to bleed from the vagina leading to serious injuries. The victim is presently hospitalized.
“Again, One Saviour Umoh Ukpong was arrested for defiling a 15 year old girl, one Nduke Eyo Bassey. Suspect deceived the suspect to be a prophet, took her to his house and defiled her despite her pleas and cries. Discreet investigation revealed that the suspect was fond of luring unsuspecting female students to his house and defiling them.
“Painfully too, One Festus Etuk ‘m’ and Ememobong Okon Eshiet ‘f’ of Ikot Akpa Eshiet Village, Onna Local Government Area were arrested on the 7th of November, 2019 for conspiracy and defilement.
“The said Ememobong Okon Eshiet forced the victim who is an orphan to be having unlawful carnal knowledge with her husband, Festus Etuk with the intent of having children for them against her wish.
All the above suspects confessed to have committed the crimes and will be charge to court accordingly.” He explained.
He commended the command’s partnership of FEYREP and called on parents to be mindful of the time, place and who they send their female children to, especially for spiritual counseling.
“This has become imperative because some of such counselors have ended up defiling them. The girl child like her Male counterpart deserves to be protected at all times.
“Parents should therefore also make haste in reporting every form of sexual harassment when noticed to the police or other Security Agencies in the state timely, as concealment of these crimes have only led to an increase in violations.
“The Command wishes to warn perpetrators of this dastardly act to desist forthwith or be willing to contend with the full wrath of the law.” He said.
