The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Monday said a total of 717 rape cases were reported nationwide between January and May this year.
The disclosure came at a time protests are holding across the country against increasing cases of rape and defilement of minors.
Speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, Adamu said out of the 717 cases, investigations had been concluded in 631 cases with the suspects already in court.
He said investigation was still ongoing in the remaining 52 cases.
The police boss further disclosed that 799 suspects were arrested in connection with the cases.
Adamu spoke after he joined the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; and the Minister of Women Affairs Development, Pauline Tallen; to meet the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
He noted that the restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the surge noticed in cases of sexual and gender based violence.
He said, “It has come to the public knowledge now that because of the COVID-19 restrictions, we have a surge in cases of rape and gender-based violence. These are cases that are now coming up but we want to let members of the public know that, rape and gender based violence has been there.
“The Nigeria Police so far from January to May 2020 has recorded about 717 rape incidents that were reported across the country. About 799 suspects have been arrested, 631 cases conclusively investigated and charged to court and 52 cases are left and under investigation.”
“The police, other security agencies and other non-gvernmental organisations have been collaborating to see to it that these cases of rape and gender based violence are dealt with.”
