The suspect, identified as Mr. Trust Ezekiel, 34, is said to have been molesting the children in his compound for years until one of them, a 10-year-old, who had endured the molestation for five years opened up to his elder brother and another child.
The alleged paedophile and landlord of no 10 Paul Anyawu Street, Era Ijaniki Lagos, was arrested on Friday, October 11, after the 10-year-old exposed him.
According to the minor, the landlord had been sleeping with him through the anus since the age of five
Ezekiel, who is married and has two children, both girls, was said to have threatened the survivors that he would kill them if they spoke up.
One of the survivor’s, who cried that he didn’t want to die, said, “He always used olive oil to rub my anus then put his manhood inside. I always cry because it is painful.”
A neighborhood who spoke to THISDAY on anonymity said this abnormality had been going on for years without any suspicion.
He said the landlord got arrested after the victim complained to his elder brother and another little neighbour, a boy, who all confirmed that the landlord threatened to kill them if they ever say anything to anyone.
He said: “In the process of recounting his ordeal, one of the boy’s mother heard it and questioned them and they confessed.
“That was how the woman became enraged and involved people and the police into the matter.”
The suspect, who is currently at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command for investigation, is currently undergoing interrogation.
Confirming the arrest, the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti, said further investigation is ongoing.
Oti confirmed the little boy’s testimony that the landlord had been penetrating him through the anus for years now, adding that “the little boy decided to let the cat out of the bag just on Friday after a long time”.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, has warned parents to watch over their sons with eagle’s eyes.
He said: “You must watch over these children. They are vulnerable and easy to fall prey.
“Who is your neighbour? Who lives in your neighborhood. Who does your child move with?”
He also assured Lagosians that the man must face the full wrath of the law on completion of investigation.
The Child Protection Network Coordinator for Oshodi-Isolo, Mr. Ebenezer Omejalile, in a statement, said they would act swiftly to ensure the survivors (all boys) get medical and psychological help.
He said: “The trauma is what will affect them. They need urgent help. And we will not rest until the perpetrator is punished for his heinous crime against these children, their parents and the nation.”
