*Announces arrest of suspected gang-rape ringleader
The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has provided an update on two high-profile gender-based violence (GBV) cases that have attracted widespread public attention across the state.
In a statement issued by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, the Ministry clarified developments surrounding the alleged rape of Miss Nsikak Abigael Emem, popularly known as Mirabel, and the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in Ifo Local Government Area.
According to the Ministry, investigations by relevant authorities, as well as Mirabel’s own admissions, established that the rape allegation was false and deliberately fabricated.
The statement noted that there was consequently no offender to be apprehended or prosecuted in connection with the claim, and no threat to public safety arising from the narrative initially presented.
The Ministry explained that, following a comprehensive review of the circumstances, it concluded that the interest of justice would be better served through psycho-social rehabilitation rather than prosecution.
Mirabel has since been placed under the care of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, where she is receiving rehabilitative support.
“The Ministry of Justice has been receiving periodic reports on her progress, and the feedback indicates that she has responded positively to rehabilitation. She is currently preparing for examinations as part of efforts to further her academic pursuits,” the statement said.
On the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in the Ibogun area of the state, the Ministry disclosed that significant progress had been made in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
It recalled that four men allegedly took turns sexually assaulting the teenager. One of the suspects, Segun Samuel, was arrested shortly after the incident, while the others fled.
The Ministry revealed that sustained collaboration between the Ogun State Ministry of Justice and the Ogun State Police Command had led to the arrest of the alleged ringleader of the attack, Qudus Abiola Yekini.
While two other suspects remain at large, the Ministry described the arrest as a major breakthrough and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all those involved are apprehended and prosecuted.
The Ministry commended the Ogun State Police Command for its efforts in securing the arrest, particularly the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni; Deputy Commissioners of Police, DCP Bolanle Murtala and DCP Gbenga Adeoye; Area Commander, Ifo, ACP Seyi Olugboji Williams; DPO Ifo, CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen; DPO Ibogun, CSP Sasa Adeniyi; and the Officer-in-Charge of Gender Affairs, SP Bunmi Asogbon.
According to the statement, the arrest underscores the Ogun State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and should reassure the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The government also reiterated its condemnation of all forms of criminal conduct, including violent assaults on vulnerable persons and the making of false allegations.
It urged residents to refrain from such acts, warning that offenders would be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The statement was signed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN.
