The child was reportedly found distressed by the roadside after going missing from school, while police say the suspect was arrested and the case transferred to the SCID for further investigation.

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 17-year-old suspect over the alleged defilement of a three-year-old girl in the Saki area of the state.

The incident was reported on September 17, 2026, after the child reportedly went missing from her school earlier in the afternoon.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday in Ibadan.

According to Ayanlade, the Saki Divisional Police Station received the report at about 6:00 p.m., prompting officers and other concerned persons to commence a search for the missing child.

The search reportedly led to the discovery of the girl by the roadside, where she was found in a distressed condition.

Preliminary police investigations allegedly indicated that the suspect had forcefully taken the child into his apartment, where the alleged sexual assault occurred.

“Prompted by this revelation, detectives swiftly visited and secured the scene of the crime, resulting in the immediate arrest of the suspect and the recovery of critical physical evidence linked to the offence,” Ayanlade said.

He added that the child was immediately taken to a medical facility in Saki for medical attention and psychological care.

“While investigations were immediately activated, the young survivor was promptly rushed to a medical facility in Saki, where she is currently receiving comprehensive clinical treatment and psychotherapeutic care,” the police spokesperson said.

The command said it had adopted measures to protect the privacy, dignity and identity of the child and her family throughout the investigation and legal process.

Ayanlade reiterated the police command’s zero-tolerance stance towards child abuse and sexual violence, stressing that the authorities would pursue the matter to ensure justice.

The case has since been transferred to the Gender Desk of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan, for further investigation and prosecution.

The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse and sexual violence to the appropriate authorities.