A 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped at the office of Owolabi Akinlolu, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) assigned to the Ogudu Police Station in Lagos. But he was discreetly retired on Tuesday before his case could go to trial. Rights advocates, the survivor, and her family are quite disappointed with this result because they expected him to be fired and charged following the investigation.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In July 2024, PUNCH Metro reported that the victim’s mother, Mrs. Aramide Olupona, accused the police of attempting to shield Akinlolu from justice. She claimed that his wife and relatives pressured her to withdraw the case, citing his upcoming retirement in December. Sources close to the case alleged that the Nigeria Police Force deliberately delayed both the investigation and court proceedings to ensure Akinlolu retired before facing legal consequences.
Reports indicate that on June 29, 2024, Akinlolu summoned the teenager to his office under the pretense that the person who had stolen her phone two weeks prior had been arrested. However, upon her arrival, he allegedly locked the door and sexually assaulted her.
A source familiar with the investigation disclosed to PUNCH Metro that the police “deliberately let him retire before initiating his prosecution.” The source added that instead of dismissing Akinlolu, police authorities in Lagos argued that his seniority placed the case beyond their jurisdiction. Consequently, the matter was referred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, which oversaw the investigation. Despite claims that the inquiry concluded after his retirement, no disciplinary action was taken.
Unlike Inspector Dikko Usman, another police officer implicated in a murder case, Akinlolu was not officially addressed by his rank or identified as a former officer in police communications. Another source alleged that during the assault, Akinlolu threatened the teenager with a firearm—a detail missing from the charges against him. The source criticized the police for being lenient on their colleague, suggesting that attempted murder or threats to life should have been considered.
Documents obtained by PUNCH Metro confirmed that the survivor testified about being threatened with a gun, yet this crucial detail was omitted from the official charges. As of Wednesday, both Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi and Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin remained silent on inquiries about Akinlolu’s retirement.
In an exclusive interview on Tuesday, the survivor revealed her ongoing psychological distress, stating, “My mental state has not been stable. I always feel fearful, especially when I see police officers.” She also expressed her distrust in law enforcement, saying, “We no longer believe in them. Nothing could persuade us to seek their assistance again.”
She further spoke about the impact on her family, particularly her mother, and expressed her resolve to pursue justice. “I know I’m not his first victim, but I will make sure I am the last. I just hope we get the justice we deserve so that I can finally find peace.” Her determination underscores the urgent need for police accountability and reform.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
