…ACVPN demands transfer of policemen alleged of truncating cases at Elemoro Division
Juliana Francis
Members of the Advocate for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN) have expressed shock over three adult siblings serially defiling their 16-year-old cousin, who is a person living with a disability.
Although the case was initially reported at Elemoro Police Station Ibeju-Lekki, concerned parties have demanded it be immediately transferred over allegations concerning shabby and unprofessional handling of the case.
The concerned parties decided to approach ACVPN when they felt the matter was about to be truncated by the police.
One of the concerned parties calling for the transfer of the case wrote: “It’s been back and forth in the last two days because the Officer in Charge of Gender and Officer in Charge of Human Rights at Elemoro Police Station are doing everything possible to frustrate this case.
“The victim went to General Hospital Akodo Ibeju-Lekki on the 16th-07-2024 for medical examination and the result is out.
“We call on your good office for immediate transfer of this case because we heard the family of the victim was advised by the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and OC Gender of Elemoro Police Station to go to Epe Magistrate Court and swear an affidavit that they were not interested in the Prosecution of the case.”
The concerned parties demand that the case be moved to Ikega Gender Unit, Lagos State Police Command.
A member of ACVPN, Ms Harmony, who had been closely following the case, said: “The case was reported to ACVPN last night by the victim’s concerned cousin. But some intrigue is playing out in this case at Elemoro Police Station.
“The OC Gender proposed to take the victim to Yaba. ACVPN is saying there’s a comprehensive Lagos State-recognized general hospital at Akodo which will reduce the amount of travel time.
“But a certain officer popularly known as OC Human Rights by the name Ifeayi is insisting the victim should be taken to Warif Yaba for medical examination.
“This required common sense. The good office of the New OC Gender, CSP Toyin Kazeem been duly informed to call for the transfer.”
The perpetrators have been identified as Rasaq, Azeez and Ogunyemi.
According to the victim, the first perpetrator- forcefully slept with her thrice, the second slept with her once, and the third also raped her twice.
The third perpetrator raped her last on the 14th of July 2024.
Co-founder of ACVPN, Mr Ebenezer, fuming over the treatment of the minor said: “We need to monitor this case closely. I recall this officer (Ifeanyi) is a very notorious officer who always frustrates complainants not to seek justice.
“Besides what’s his business in this case? It is high time Police Officer like Ifeayi Aghede is transferred out of Elemoro. He has institutionalised himself to the extent that each time he’s transferred out, somehow he finds his way back to Elemoro Police Station. He’s a bad omen to the Nigeria Police Force.”
A Child Rights Advocate, Lolade Ajayi said: “I hope these perpetrators are sentenced. They don’t deserve to be seen. Ultimate priority should be given to de-traumatising the victim.”
Another angry member of ACVPN, identified as Memunate Olaide Ayoka, raged: “These animals should be kept away from the society not only their community as they’ll continue wherever they find victims like this girl, and they’ll continue to destroy them as long as many will not believe. If they can do this to their cousin, who can they not do it to?
“If not kept away for life, normal minor girls are also in danger. We hope this interpreter girl, will not be castigated by their family and the community for standing up for the truth. She also needs to be safeguarded just as the victim needs.”
