Kenya, June 2 -- A 26-year-old South African man was arrested in Nairobi on Sunday for allegedly luring a 17-year-old girl he met on the dating app Tinder and taking her to a hotel.
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly claimed the girl told him she was 18 years old.
According to Nairobi police, the arrest followed a complaint filed by the girl's family after she failed to return home.
Authorities traced the minor to a hotel in the city, where she was found with the suspect.
Preliminary investigations suggest the two connected on Tinder, and the man allegedly convinced the girl to meet him in person.
Police stated that the suspect is being held in custody pending further investigation into charges related to the incident, including potential violations of laws concerning the protection of minors.
The girl has been reunited with her family and is receiving support.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when using online dating platforms and to verify the identity and age of individuals met online.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.