A 43-year-old Nigerian man, Abimbola David, has been detained in the UK on allegations of inappropriate online communication with a 14-year-old girl. The arrest came after the minor reportedly presented evidence of their exchanges to authorities, claiming that he made improper requests.
According to Saving Our Children’s Futures, a child protection organization, David is married, a father of two, and is in the UK on a student visa. David claimed he was unaware of the girl’s age, expressing shock that a minor was using a dating app. “I was on the app to pass time, not for anything harmful,” he told police.
David explained his request for certain images as a means to confirm her age and end their interaction. “I asked her to send those images so she would stop chatting with me,” he said, emphasizing he had no malicious intent. He added, “If I truly meant harm, I would have shared my address, but I have never done that.”
David admitted he initially listed himself as 24 on the app, reasoning that many users alter their ages online. However, critics argue that his behavior reflects a lack of caution and responsibility, especially given the potential for harm. The case has raised fresh calls for better age verification measures on dating platforms to protect minors.