Group Wants DPO Punished Over Alleged Rape Of Detainee

A group , the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), has expressed shock over the rape of a 31-year-old detainee, Miss Idowu Akinwunmi, allegedly by the Divisional Police Officer , Onikan Police Division, Lagos, SP Adekunle Awe, in his office on Tuesday, April 15.

A petition signed by the group's National Coordinator, Okechukwu Nwanguma, and sent to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umaru Manko, on Wednesday, said 'The victim who informed NOPRIN that she works at 'Abua Mamaput & Bar' (makeshift restaurant) at 11, Keffi Road, Ikoyi said she was arrested by police officers at Onikan Police Division on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 around 1a.m. from her work place over a complaint by her employer, one Mrs. Pelumi Idowu.'

According to the petition, 'She was detained in the Cell, and at about 10p.m., one Inspector Ajiduwe brought her to the office of the DPO where the DPO raped her.

'She said that the DPO forcefully had carnal knowledge of her without protection in his office after the DPO had threatened to send her to prison.

'She was released after the IPO- one Inspr. Taiwo- extorted the sum of N10,000 from her. Now, she complains of severe stomach pains following the said sexual abuse by the DPO.'

The statement said further: 'NOPRIN has inquired from the DPO , SP Adekunle Awe. Although he naturally denied the allegation, but his shaky voice and incoherent speech betrays a sense of guilt. He however, said the victim could come back and collect the N10,000 bribe they extorted from her after raping her.'

The group however commended the Area Commander, Lion Building, Assistant Commissioner of Police Edgal Imohimid, for ensuring that the victim gets a Police report to enable her go for medical examination and report.

'This was initially denied her by the officers she met at the station before NOPRIN called on the area Commander to intervene,' the statement said.

NOPRIN also commended the victim who has expressed her determination to fight to a logical conclusion for justice.

'Many victims of rape are often too ashamed and unwilling to report or seek redress. Thus, perpetrators hide under the silence.

'This readiness by the victim to fight will not only encourage many others who live and die in silence from the trauma of sexual abuse and violence. It will also help curb the excesses of rapists in police uniform such as DPO, SP Adekunle Awe whom we have it on good authority that he has been involved in no less than four previous cases of rape which were covered up for him,' the group said. NOPRIN also called on the Lagos State Police Commissioner and the Inspector of General of Police's Monitoring Unit to immediately apprehend and investigate Awe and ensure appropriate sanctions against him for bringing the Nigeria Police Force to disrepute through his 'beastly and unprofessional conduct.'

It also called on the National Human Rights Commission to ensure that the victim receives redress, protection and adequate medical attention and counselling.