According to the police, ongoing investigations have revealed that the suspect is not Lebanese but a national of a Southern African country
By Juliana Francis
The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that it attempted to release a Lebanese national accused of defiling eight children, describing the claims as false, misleading, and inaccurate.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the police clarified that the case in question is being handled with the utmost professionalism and diligence by the Gender Unit, in line with international best practices and child protection protocols.
“The Lagos State Police Command is not involved in any alleged attempt to release a Lebanese accused of defiling eight children. The story is therefore inaccurate and misleading,” Adebisi stated.
According to the police, ongoing investigations have revealed that the suspect is not Lebanese but a national of a Southern African country.
The statement emphasised that the Gender Unit, led by specially trained officers, has strictly adhered to standard operating procedures for cases involving minors.
“The case is under thorough investigation, and every necessary step has been taken to ensure that justice is served. Both the biological mother of the child and the child herself have made statements affirming that the child was neither molested nor defiled by the accused person,” the police said.
However, the Command noted that the complaint originated from the child’s father, who rarely has custody of the child. His allegations are being carefully investigated to prevent any miscarriage of justice.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a discreet investigation into all issues raised in the report to ensure transparency and accountability.
He also confirmed that the reporter, Juliana Francis, has been contacted and briefed on the steps being taken.
The statement further expressed the Commissioner’s confidence in the Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Unit, ACP Toyin Kazeem, describing her as a highly competent and respected officer with a strong track record in handling gender-based and sensitive cases.
Kazeem was reportedly out of the country on an official assignment with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in the United States when the case was first reported.
“Her integrity, dedication, and professionalism have brought pride to the Command and ensured justice for many vulnerable persons, including women and children,” the police spokesperson added.
The Command appealed to the public and media to remain confident in its commitment to justice, particularly in cases involving children and vulnerable groups, assuring that the outcome of the investigation will be made public upon completion.
