Nigerian authorities arrested an Edo father accused of exploiting his 4-year-old daughter by posting ob§c£n£ photos/videos online. The young victim was rescued and will get medical care. The investigation continues into potential accomplices involved in the abuse.
Nigerian authorities have arrested the Edo-based father accused of exploiting his 4-year-old daughter by posting ob§c£n£ photos and videos of her on Instagram. The young girl has also been recovered and taken to safety, according to updates from journalist Kiki Mordi who has been covering the disturbing case.
"He's in Auchi police custody. He will be transferred to headquarters in Benin. We're working to keep [and] take the little girl to safety," Mordi tweeted today. She later confirmed that the child had been found and was no longer in the custody of her father. "The girl is not in custody with him. He was arrested alone but we will take us to her and we will take her to safety don't worry," Mordi stated.
The journalist credited support from "so many organizations" in helping to locate the young victim, who will undergo a medical evaluation before being placed in protective custody in Benin City, the capital of Edo State. Nigerian authorities sprung into action after public outrage exploded this week over the disturbing Instagram account featuring ob§c£n£ content of the 4-year-old girl. Her father had referred to her as a "model" and revealed her "mentor" was an adult film star.
While the child's father is now in police custody, Mordi indicated the investigation is still ongoing to identify any potential accomplices involved in the exploitation. "If you have any information on accomplices, please get in touch with the Benin or Auchi police headquarters directly," she urged.
Instagram has also taken down the account, according to Mordi. Many online are calling for the father and any accomplices to face harsh prosecution to the full extent of Nigerian laws prohibiting child endangerment and abuse.
The case has drawn intense scrutiny on how to better protect minors from exploitation in the age of social media. For the young victim, the priority now is ensuring she receives proper medical care, counseling and safeguarding after her harrowing ordeal.
