19-Year-Old Alleges Years of Sexual Abuse by Father, Says Abuse Began at Age 12
A 19-year-old Lagos woman, identified as Ugo Rejoice, has alleged that her father sexually abused her for several years, beginning when she was 12, but says she does not want him imprisoned because of the possible impact on her family.
Ugo alleged that the abuse began in 2019 and continued until she disclosed the allegations on September 6, 2026. She said the alleged incidents occurred repeatedly and that her father threatened to beat her if she told anyone.
According to her account, she eventually confided in a close friend, who informed a pastor. The matter was subsequently reported to the authorities.
The father, Uche Didie, was arrested by members of the Oodua Peoples Congress and handed over to the Police Tactical Unit in Araro, Ikorodu. He was later transferred to the Gender Unit headed by ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem.
Ugo said she wants the alleged abuse to stop but is concerned about the consequences of her father’s imprisonment for her family, which includes two other children. She said she would prefer to leave her parents’ home and stay with her grandmother or aunt.
Didie has denied Ugo’s account of when the alleged abuse began. In a video, he claimed that the conduct only began in 2026.
The allegations remain subject to investigation. The case highlights the importance of ensuring that children and young people who disclose sexual abuse have access to safety, support and appropriate safeguarding services.
