How 17-Year-Old Teenager Was Raped Inside Lagos Police Station: Reports | #NwokeukwuMascot

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17-Year-Old Teenager Raped Inside Nigerian Police Station, Demanding Justice | #NwokeukwuMascot

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In a shocking incident, a 17-year-old resident of Lagos State was allegedly raped inside the Ogudu Police Station in the Ojota area of the state. The incident occurred when the teenager sought assistance from an officer to retrieve her stolen phone, which had been taken by 'one chance' robbers.

According to the victim's account, an officer named Owolabi contacted her mother and informed her that he had apprehended the person with her phone. He requested that the teenager be sent to the police station. Upon arrival, she was informed that there had been a mistake in tracking the phone and the person caught was not in possession of it.

“The officer sent his personal assistant to call me into his office and he showed me directions there. When I entered his office and greeted him, he replied and got up to lock the door and put the key in his pocket. I shouted, ‘Sir, why did you lock the door?’

“He started trying to pull my clothes off and I shouted, then he brought out a gun, cocked it, and threatened to shoot me if I shouted. Then he began harassing me and when I struggled with him he hit me on the back of my head with the gun and raped me.

“I saw his phone ringing and the caller was my mum, but he told me since I didn’t have a phone with me, I should tell her I didn’t get to his office and from now on I should be reporting at his office by 12 pm every day during school break or while returning from school that he had been watching me for two years and now I just fell into his trap.”

The mother of the victim, Mrs. Aramide Olupona, expressed her frustration with the police's handling of the case, accusing them of attempting to cover up the allegations. She questioned why the suspect's family was pleading for leniency while her daughter's suffering went unnoticed.

Mrs Aramide Olupona, mother of the victim, however, accused the police of trying to cover up the allegation.

 She said the Area Commander of the police station reportedly urged Mrs. Olupona to drop the case, adding to her despair. The police later claimed that the suspect had fled, leaving his whereabouts unknown. This revelation further exacerbated the victim's distress, and she even expressed thoughts of suicide.

Her words; “The suspect’s wife and the rest of his family have come to my shop to plead with me saying he would soon retire, but what about my daughter that was raped? Is it because I am a poor woman?”

“The Area Commander of the station too invited me and pleaded with me to bury the case, now they are saying the suspect has fled and his whereabouts are unknown, but my daughter is distraught and has said she wants to commit suicide. My girl needs justice,” she was quoted to have said.

When contacted, Benjamin Hundeyin, the state's Police Public Relations Officer, directed the correspondent to specific numbers for reporting police misconduct.

“Sorry, I can’t take this call right now. For complaints about police action, call 08090277714, 08090277712, 08090277711, 08090277713, 091111111151, 0911199116, 09111111150. Or send a text,” Hundeyin said.

However, the respondent from one of these numbers claimed that they did not handle such matters and suggested contacting the PRO at a later time.

Respondent words: “I don’t deal with such. This is police misconduct. Maybe you should call the PRO later, he might be in a conference.”

This distressing incident highlights the urgent need for justice and accountability within the Nigerian police force. The victim and her family are demanding that the perpetrator be brought to justice and that the police take immediate action to address the matter. It is crucial for the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure the safety and well-being of the victim, and provide the necessary support to help her recover from this traumatic experience.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to come forward and assist in the investigation. The public's support in demanding justice for the victim is essential to prevent such heinous acts from recurring and to restore faith in the Nigerian police force.

For complaints or information on police misconduct, concerned individuals can contact the following numbers: 08090277714, 08090277712, 08090277711, 08090277713, 091111111151, 0911199116, 09111111150. Alternatively, they can send a text message detailing their concerns.

The victim and her family deserve justice, and it is imperative that the Nigerian authorities address this case promptly and effectively to restore public trust in the justice system and prevent similar incidents in the future.