Lagos vows to pursue justice for teenager allegedly raped by police officer
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has vowed to pursue justice for a 17-year-old girl who was allegedly defiled by a police officer at the Ogudu Police Station.
The agency’s spokesperson, Mrs. Joke Ladenegan-Oginni, made this promise in a statement posted on the agency’s social media handle on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the agency was notified of the incident and is taking immediate action to ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable.
The DSVA is committed to seeking justice for the victim and her family, and will work tirelessly to ensure that the case is thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
“The agency was notified of a distressing incident involving a police officer who was alleged to have defiled a child in a police station.
“Upon receiving the report, the DSVA immediately facilitated the necessary referrals for comprehensive medical and psychosocial support, which were promptly provided to the survivor.
“This matter was immediately escalated to the Gender Desk Department of the Lagos State Police Command,” she said.
Ladenegan-Oginni said that a painstaking investigation was ongoing into the matter.
“We wish to assure the public that a meticulous investigation is currently underway.
“We trust in the leadership of the Lagos State Police Command to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident.
“We believe that this is crucial in maintaining public trust.
“We reiterate the Lagos State Government’s Zero-Tolerance Policy for all forms of domestic and sexual violence and reaffirm our dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all survivors,” she said.
Ladenegan-Oginni appealed to the public to report any case of domestic and sexual violence to its toll-free line on 08000-333-333 or via direct message on its social media platforms @lagosdsva.
Recall that the senior police officer has been accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at the Area H Command in Ogudu.
The girl had sought the officer’s help in recovering her stolen phone, which had been taken by suspected criminals. However, instead of assisting her, the officer allegedly tricked her into coming to the station under false pretences.
He told her that her phone had been recovered and the thief had been arrested. When she arrived at his office, the officer allegedly subjected her to sexual assault at gunpoint.
