A 19-year-old woman, Ugo Rejoice, has made a dramatic U-turn, pleading with the police not to imprison her father, Uche Didie, after exposing him for allegedly sexually abusing her for seven years in Lagos.

The suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and handed over to the Police Tactical Unit in Araro, Ikorodu, before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department`s Gender Unit, led by ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem.

Narrating her ordeal, Rejoice revealed that the carnal exploitation began in 2019 when she was just 12 years old, and persisted once or twice every month until September 6, 2026.

"He has been having sexual intercourse with me since 2019," Rejoice confessed. "I have never had a boyfriend. My dad is the only man who has had carnal knowledge of me. He did not convince me; he forced himself on me."

She stated that the suspect used threats of physical violence alongside gifts to maintain secrecy, warning her of repercussions if the matter was disclosed.

The victim indicated that her mother had previously confronted the suspect regarding the allegations, which he denied at the time. Rejoice later confided in a close friend, the son of her family`s pastor, who informed the cleric, leading to the subsequent intervention and arrest.

Despite the severity of the allegations, Rejoice requested that her father not face imprisonment, citing concerns over the long-term impact and stability of her family and siblings.

"I know the proper legal course involves arrest, but I am concerned about the impact on our future," she stated. "I am the second of three children. While I wish for his release, I intend to relocate and reside with my grandmother in Agege or my aunt in Egbeda."

Following the arrest, a video recording emerged in which Uche Didie addressed the allegations. While acknowledging the relationship with his daughter, he disputed the reported timeline, claiming the abuse began in 2026 rather than 2019, asserting that the allegations were not occurring at the time his wife initially questioned him.

The police Gender Unit is continuing its investigations to proceed with the legal process in court, in accordance with standard criminal procedure for major offenses, regardless of the family`s plea.