The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Onikan Station, Mr. Adekunle Awe, who was accused of having carnal knowledge of a woman, Idowu Akinwunmi, and threatening her life, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command.
It was also leant that two other policemen of the rank of inspector, were arrested to assist in ongoing investigations.
Akinwunmi, a 31-year-old cook, had accused the DPO of raping her in his office on April 15, 2014.
As a result of the public outcry the victim’s story generated, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, the Lagos State Government and other human rights groups stepped into the matter with a view to ensuring justice was done.
A reliable source, who spoke with PUNCH 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”.
The development was confirmed by the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide.
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 would be recalled that Akinwunmi, who worked at an eatery on Keffi Street, Ikoyi, was arrested on the orders of her boss for accommodating a customer a male friend of hers, identified as one Friday, contrary to the rules of the restaurant. Her employers provided accommodation for the victim and other staff.
The police were also said to have arrested five others including Akinwunmi’s male companion. Two of her friends, who she pleaded with to come and bail her, were also clamped in detention.
The victim had said she was forced into having sex with the DPO, who refused to use protection, despite her entreaties, after he had threatened to kill her and allow her to rot in prison if he she did not cooperate. She also alleged that she paid N30, 000 as bail.
If the story is found to be true,the man must go to jail,let them have independent investigator,bcos left to the police alone they will cover him up,they will not want him to end his carrier in this manner,he is a useless man,using his position to suppress people he suppose to protect.
He seems really like a randy policeman.This case should be well investigated and the appropriate punishment meted out to the officer,if found culpable. Men of the Nigerian Police Force who maintain law and order are themselves not above the law. This should serve as a deterrent to the others!
They can’t cover him up because the IG is already involved. I think the owner of the store that took them to the police should be arrested and detained too. Afterall the Dpo said he was asked to do whatever he likes to her.
This is sensitive scenerio,the DPO could be set up. Let thorough investigation be carried out
What are the proof that the allegation is not cooked,why did the police arrest his other colleagues?I think something is fishy,the true story is yet to be told.
She herself should equally be interrogated