Police detain Lagos DPO for rape

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Onikan Station, Mr. Adekunle Awe for alleged rape and threat to life. Our correspondent learnt that two other policemen of the rank of inspector were also arrested as part of ongoing investigations.

A 31-year-old cook, Idowu Akinwunmi, had accused Awe of raping her in his office on April 15, 2014. A reliable source told our correspondent on Friday that the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, the Lagos State Government and other human rights groups were interested in the matter. The source said, “The DPO has been detained at the Special Investigation Bureau at the command headquarters. Two other inspectors, who were on duty when the alleged offence took place have also been arrested. “The state government frowns at rape and if you recall, a new law on rape was passed not too long ago so we shall be leaving no stone unturned. “The complainant and the accused persons as well as very senior officers of the command all had a meeting in the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration and I can tell you authoritatively that no stone will be left unturned.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, aconfirmed the development to our correspondent on the telephone. She said, “As you know, allegation of rape is a very grievous one and we have commenced investigation into the matter. The DPO has been relieved of his post and is in custody so as not to interfere with investigations. “I want to assure the public that the command is not taking it lightly and will make sure that we get to the root of the matter.”

It had been reported that the victim, who worked at an eatery on Keffi Street, Ikoyi, had been arrested by the police at the behest of her boss who accused her of allowing a stranger to sleep over at the restaurant. The police were said to have arrested five others for disobeying the rules of the restaurant.

The victim had said she was forced into having sex with the DPO after he had threatened to kill her and throw her and the other suspects in prison.

PUNCH

19/04/14

My view: I strongly believe that this case should be properly investigated. In the past, there have been cases of women in police cells who voluntarily request the DPO to have sex with them. The sexual act will be used to serve as payment for their release thereafter.

If this DPO is found guilty, he should be made to face the wrath of the law in three (3) folds.

Edna Wey!