In a session at the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Investigative Police Officer (IPO) DSP Morayo Ogunsokan shared chilling details of an alleged incident involving Lukman Alade, who is accused of raping and assaulting an 18-year-old girl.
Led in evidence by state counsel Ms. Bukola Okeowo, Ogunsokan recounted receiving a report of the alleged rape on September 12, 2022, around 4:30 p.m. from the survivor herself.
Upon receipt of the report, Ogunsokan promptly took a voluntary statement from the survivor and, under caution, from the defendant. The survivor recounted that on September 11, 2022, around 4:40 p.m., Alade allegedly raped her after she rebuffed his advances while she was on her way to retrieve her phone.
Disturbingly, the survivor described waking up in Alade’s room with her pants removed, her pubic hair shaved, and incisions made on her vagina and legs by the defendant. Alade reportedly used a ring on his finger to penetrate her during the assault.
Upon regaining consciousness, the survivor confronted Alade about her situation, who then returned her pubic hair upon request. Upon returning home, she reported the incident to her parents, leading to Alade’s arrest by the police after being reported to a vigilante group.
During interrogation, Alade allegedly confessed to the acts of removing the survivor’s pants, shaving her pubic hair, and making incisions on her body.
Subsequent investigations led to charges being filed against Alade based on the survivor’s allegations and his confession. The survivor was also examined at Mirabel Medical Centre for further assessment.
State counsel Okeowo requested a brief adjournment for the conclusion of Ogunsokan’s examination. Defence counsel Mr. Lekan Egberongbe raised no objections.
The defendant faces a two-count charge of rape and sexual assault by penetration, with the alleged offenses occurring on September 12, 2022, on Enu-Owa Street, Lagos Island, in violation of Sections 260 and 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
As proceedings continue, the court will undoubtedly weigh the evidence presented in this harrowing case.