The Directorate of Criminal Investigations, as a cautionary measure, wishes to sensitize and inform parents, guardians and educational institutions on noted increase and disturbing trend on offenses against children, during this Covid-19 Pandemic times.
The perpetrators of these offences have taken advantage of the online learning in schools and learning institutions where children are undergoing zoom classes and other digital learning programs to lure children for exploitation.
In four such reported cases, the predators sent children messages in their inboxes complimenting their looks then after gaining their trust, went ahead to ask them for their nude images among other despicable acts.
Our Detectives have also received and are actively investigating other cases of similar nature, from different parts of the country.
In this regard, we call upon every responsible member of the public to report without hesitation any form of offence committed against a child to the Child Protection Unit through the toll free line 116 or make a report to the nearest Police Station for action.
Equally, we appeal to the affected parents not to withhold such information but urge them to where possible furnish our officers with details of the perpetrators such as the user names, phone numbers, email and social media accounts that have been in contact with their children.
Further, we appeal to parents and guardians to constantly monitor the whereabouts of their children at all times and be wary of the content they access online, since most of it would not only be harmful & detrimental to their lives but could lead to dire consequences such as...
...kidnappings, defilement or even death.
