16th January, 2013
The Nigerian police in Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, has arrested two friends, Emeka Paul, 26 and Chibuzor Esowole, 27 for allegedly gang-raping a 22-year old woman (name withheld)
P.M.NEWS learnt that apart from raping her, they took her nude photographs and threatened to expose them if she reports to the police.
Police sources alleged that the victim was lured from her Festac residence to an estate at Apapa to attend a Christmas party on 27 December, 2012.
But instead of taking her to the party, the suspects tortured, brutalized and forcefully had unprotected sex with their victims in turns.
Thereafter, they collected her mobile phone, snapped her nude with their mobile phones and warned her not to tell anybody or report to the police.
But when she could no longer bear the shock and the agony she went through, especially the fear that her photographs were taken nude, she opened up to her parents.
The matter was reported at Festac police station and Emeka and Chibuzor were arrested and charged to court.
The police docked them on a five-count charge of felony, conspiracy, rape, stealing and indecent assault before an Apapa magistrate’s court.
The police prosecutor, Mr. I. John said that the offence they committed was contrary to sections 409, 278, 261 and 258 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.
When the charge was read to them, they pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A. K. Shonubi granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum. The matter was adjourned till 8 February, 2013, for mention. They were remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri pending when they will perfect their bail condition.
—Cyriacus Izuekwe