Bode Durojaiye, Oyo
How did a rapist escape from a police station in Oyo State?
Did he bribe his way out?
These are some of the questions on the lips of residents of Isale Oyo, Oyo State as an alleged rapist, Oluyemisi Ojebode, was said to have escaped from Atiba Divisional Police Station.
But are those accusing the police of releasing the suspect sure of their facts?
This is because a police chief revealed that Ojebode was never arrested.
In fact, he is on the run and police detectives are after him.
Anyway, members of a group, Save Oyo Town, have threatened to stage a peaceful protest against the way the police handled the matter.
What really happened?
A 15-year-old girl was alleged to have been raped by Ojebode and after his arrest, he was locked up in the police station.
He was later said to have been released on bail which infuriated residents of Atiba Local Government.
Since then, there has been an uproar on social media and the ancient town over the alleged action of the police.
A resident, Ibukun Ogunsina, said the rapist, who has changed his name to Adeleke Adekunle Oluyemi on Facebook “was arrested and released on bail, even before the medical report confirmed the authenticity of the victim’s claim”.
“The rapist, who is now at large, has vowed to deal with all
those who exposed him, including those in the social media. Are we no longer safe in our town? How secured are our lives and properties when this is happening? Why should the criminal be granted bail in the first instance? This is why all peace-loving indigenes must rise to the situation with a view to stemming the unabated dastardly act”.
But the Oyo Area Police Commander, ACP Oyeniyi Oyediran, described the allegation as “spurious, unfounded
and mere sentimental outburst”.
According to Oyediran, “what actually happened was that the mother of the rape victim came to the station to lodge a complain. Thereafter, police moved into action but the where about of the suspect remains unknown till now. We are still looking for him”.
The Area Commander, who assured residents of
their safety, said his command would not shield any
criminal from facing the full wrath of the law.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Bar Association, Oyo Branch, has volunteered to assist all those whose lives are either being threatened or rights trampled upon seeking legal redress.
This assurance was given by the NBA Chairman, Ayodele Olawuwo, and the Secretary, Olajide Olanipekun, while reacting to series of criminal onslaughts unleashed on residents by hoodlums.
