Ogun Police and Foundation Clash Over Alleged Gang Rape Case Handling
The Ogun State Police Command has firmly denied allegations of professional misconduct leveled against it by the Safer Society for Children (SSC) Foundation regarding the handling of an alleged gang rape case in Ijebu-Ode. The foundation, in collaboration with the Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF), accused police officers at the Igbeba Divisional Headquarters of bribery and attempting to intimidate the victim's family to suppress the case.
Foundation's Allegations of Police Misconduct
Kunle Sodipo, the convener of SSC, asserted that police personnel at Igbeba tried to bribe and intimidate the parents of the victim to ensure silence, effectively sweeping the case under the carpet. Sodipo demanded a thorough investigation and prosecution of the four suspects identified as Kalu Prosper, Oche Destiny, Adamu Paul, and Adewusi Qudus. He also called for the prosecution of any corrupt police officers involved and urged the state police command to protect the victim and her family from further harassment.
Sodipo stated: "The Nigeria Police Force has failed to protect the victim. Instead, they have exposed her to further harm and humiliation. Officers at Igbeba breached confidentiality by disclosing the victim's address and allowed the suspects' parents to intimidate and bribe the family. This is not just a case of rape; it's a case of institutional betrayal."
He emphasized the broader implications, warning that such failures could affect anyone, highlighting the need for accountability and justice in the system.
Police Response and Court Proceedings
In response, the police spokesperson for Ogun State Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, issued a statement denying the allegations. Babaseyi confirmed that the four suspects have been formally charged to court and that the judiciary is actively handling the case to ensure justice is served. He stressed that the investigation was conducted with the highest level of professionalism, including medical examinations, evidence collection, and proper documentation.
Babaseyi explained: "The Ogun State Police Command assures the public that the investigation of the alleged rape incident in Ijebu-Ode was conducted professionally at every stage. The suspects have been charged to court, and at no point was the victim compromised. All necessary procedures were strictly adhered to."
Additionally, Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo has instituted an investigation into the claims raised in the petition. The command remains open to verifiable facts and has pledged to act decisively if any breach of duty is established, reinforcing transparency and accountability. The public is urged to provide credible information to assist the investigation, with updates promised as the case progresses.
Related Calls for Police Accountability in Ozoro
In a related development, author Anote Ajeluorou from Ozoro has called for the dismissal of Police Area Commander Zakari Mohammad over a recent sexual assault incident during the Ozoro Festival. Ajeluorou questioned why police, stationed only 300 meters from the scene, did not intervene to prevent or address the disturbance.
Ajeluorou argued: "It is disheartening that such a public peace-disturbing incident occurred right under the nose of an area commander without response. This represents a policing failure of monumental proportion that must not go unpunished."
He demanded an investigation into Mohammad and his men, suggesting redeployment if found culpable, and called for better policing in Ozoro, a growing community home to a university. Ajeluorou condemned the molestation of young girls during the Alue-Doh fertility festival and commended the arrests made, urging full legal consequences for those involved.
The ongoing disputes highlight critical issues of police accountability and victim protection in handling sexual assault cases in Nigeria, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives that underscore the need for thorough investigations and judicial oversight.
