Summary: A man identified as Orji Okoro has been arrested in Edo State after sodomising a 12-year-old male apprentice. His shocking excuse? Alcohol and the devil. Here’s everything you need to know.
—
In what has left many Nigerians shaking their heads in disbelief, a man identified as Orji Okoro* — described as a “family man” — has been arrested in Edo State for the sexual assault of a *12-year-old male apprentice under his care.
And his excuse? You guessed it — alcohol and the devil.
—
What Happened?
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, disclosed the disturbing case, confirming that Orji Okoro was apprehended after sodomising the young boy who had been placed in his care as an apprentice.
The victim, just 12 years old, was reportedly learning a trade under Okoro — a trust that was horrifyingly betrayed in the most devastating way possible.
—
“The Devil Pushed Me” — Really?
When confronted about his heinous actions, Okoro reportedly shifted blame to alcohol and demonic influence, claiming these forces compelled him to commit the crime against the minor.
This tired excuse — one Nigerians have heard one too many times — has been met with widespread outrage. Many are asking the hard question: At what point do we stop blaming the devil for crimes that destroy children’s lives?
The apprenticeship system in Nigeria, which serves as a vital pathway for skill acquisition among young people — particularly in the South-East and South-South — is once again under scrutiny, as cases of abuse within such arrangements continue to surface.
—
A “Family Man” With No Excuses
Perhaps most troubling is the label attached to Okoro — a “family man.” It is a bitter reminder that abuse does not wear a face we can easily recognise. Perpetrators are often people known, trusted, and respected within their communities.
For the victim’s family, who likely handed their child over believing he would learn a legitimate trade and build a future, this betrayal cuts especially deep.
—
What Happens Next?
The suspect is currently in police custody and will face prosecution under Nigerian law. Sexual offences against minors carry severe penalties, and advocacy groups are calling for the full weight of the law to be applied without compromise.
—
Nigeria Must Do Better
Cases like this are a sobering reminder of the urgent need to:
– Strengthen child protection laws and ensure their enforcement
– Educate communities on recognising and reporting abuse
– Support survivors with proper counselling and legal aid
– Hold perpetrators fully accountable — no matter their family status or social standing
The devil did not commit this crime. A man did. And that man must face justice.
—
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, please reach out to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) or your nearest police station immediately.
Get more news on buzzUp9ja
Be the first to comment