Police arrest ASP who raped teenager at Lagos police station

An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), nicknamed Owolabi, has been arrested for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl in his office at Ojota Police Station in Lagos State.

His arrest followed a referral letter dated July 1, 2024, addressed to the Commissioner of Police (CP), Adegoke Fayoade, from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.

Based on the letter, the CP ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.

Confirming the arrest, Lagos State Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin said the police had arrested one of its officers accused of raping a 17-year-old girl. Hundeyin, whose nickname is X, said: “The police assure the public that there is absolutely no attempt at a cover-up as such heinous acts are contrary to the code of conduct and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).”

“For this reason, CP Fayoade once again assures Nigerians that if the officer is found guilty, police regulations and the law will be followed.”

Earlier, the victim’s mother, Mrs Aramide Olupona, had accused the police of a cover-up. She claimed that her daughter started bleeding a day after the assault and was taken to the Mirabel Centre where the rape was confirmed.

She said: “The suspect’s wife and the rest of his family came to my shop to beg me. They said he would retire soon, but what about my daughter who was raped? Is it because I am a poor woman?”

“The area commander of the station also invited me and asked me to close the case. Now they say the suspect has fled and his whereabouts are unknown.”