A 73-year-old man identified simply as Joseph Umuluku is currently cooling his heels in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force (‘B’ Division) in Warri, over a case of alleged rape.

A senior police officer at the station (name withheld), disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday in Warri.

The source said that Umuluku, a native doctor, allegedly lured the 13-year-old victim (name withheld), into his bathroom and had carnal knowledge of her.

He said that the suspect and the parents of the girl resides in the same compound in Giwa-Amu St., Okumagba Layout, Warri.

According to him, the suspect had already made a confessional statement, adding that the matter would be charged to court at the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

“The matter was reported at our station on Monday and the girl sustained serious injuries as a result of the rape.

“However, the police is trying to seek medication for the girl, the suspect has made a confessional statement and will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations,’’ the source said.

Meanwhile, Mr Joshua Omorere, President, Nigerian Child Welfare Fund, who is helping to facilitate and ensure that the matter was charged to court, told newsmen that it was a grievous crime.

Omorere alleged that the suspect hypnotised the girl before he carried out the act.

“It is a weighty offence that cannot be settled out of court. They live in the same compound and the man must have been doing it,’’ he said.