The police command in Oyo State has arrested a 65-year-old man accused of attempted defilement of a six-year-old girl hawking in the Onikeke, Ayegun area, Ibadan.

The command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday.

Mr Olayinka said the suspect, identified as Ibrahim Raheem, confessed to repeatedly molesting the victim last December, while she was hawking some goods.

The statement noted, “The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the public that its operatives are currently investigating a distressing case of attempted defilement involving a six-year-old girl in Ibadan.

“According to the report, the victim was allegedly coerced and indecently assaulted multiple times throughout December 2025 while she was hawking at Onikeke, Ayegun area, Ibadan.”

The police spokesman stated that the victim was taken to a hospital for medical examination and socio-psychological care.

Mr Olayinka said the state commissioner of police, Femi Haruna, ordered the prompt forwarding of the case to the command’s Gender Desk for discreet and professional reasons.

“The alleged perpetrator, identified as 65-year-old Ibrahim Raheem, has been apprehended and has since confessed to indecently abusing the child, though he denied engaging in carnal knowledge,” the spokesman said.

He added, “Following the discovery of these acts, the victim was immediately taken to a hospital for comprehensive medical examination and socio-psychological care to address the trauma of the ordeal.”

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting vulnerable children in the state, the command encouraged members of the public not to relent in providing credible information that aids policing.