Alledged Sexual Molestation at Ladipo Market: LSHA Members, Olowo Rotimi Vows to Ensure Justice with CSO, CP Orders Fresh Probe – Rights Monitors
The case of alledged sexual molestation on a young married lady, Omolara at Ladipo area of Lagos has attracted the attention of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police who has ordered immediate probe into the matter by the Area Commander of the affected area.
The case was first reported to the office of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) through the Rights Monitoring platform by a member of Lagos State House of Assembly representing Somolu Constituency, Hon. Olowo Rotimi. Olowo Rotimi expressed a deep interest in the matter and promised to ensure that justice is achieved for the poor lady.
Among other media platforms, an online media, Microsecondnews had published the story of the woman who initially said she was accosted by a wealthy spare parts dealer who asked her to name her price for him to play with her breasts.
In the initial video, she said she took an offence at the comment by the dealer and told him she was married, but this did not stop the man from pestering her further.
When she resorted to insulting the man, he allegedly ordered his boys to beat her up, but this later degenerated into a melee as people in the neighbourhood supported her against the dealer and protested what they called consistent harassment of women by some elements in the market.
The dealer reportedly later on called policemen who tried to harass the married woman. She said she resorted to the social media so that people could come to her aid.
However, matters took a new twist when she posted another video recanting what she said in her earlier video. In the new video, she said the man did not molest her physically, but that it was his boys that slapped and rough handled her.
She claimed that all the allegations she made in the first video was as a result of anger and she apologised to the dealer.
It was clear from the second video that she was intimidated and therefore made the video under duress.
The event provoked many members of Among other media platforms, an online media, Microsecondnews had published the story of the woman who initially said she was accosted by a wealthy spare parts dealer who asked her to name her price for him to play with her breasts.
In the initial video, she said she took an offence at the comment by the dealer and told him she was married, but this did not stop the man from pestering her further.
When she resorted to insulting the man, he allegedly ordered his boys to beat her up, but this later degenerated into a melee as people in the neighbourhood supported her against the dealer and protested what they called consistent harassment of women by some elements in the market.
The dealer reportedly later on called policemen who tried to harass the married woman. She said she resorted to the social media so that people could come to her aid.
However, matters took a new twist when she posted another video recanting what she said in her earlier video. In the new video, she said the man did not molest her physically, but that it was his boys that slapped and rough handled her.
She claimed that all the allegations she made in the first video was as a result of anger and she apologised to the dealer.
It was clear from the second video that she was intimidated and therefore made the video under duress.
The event provoked many members of the civil society who also pushed for justice.
Comrade Olowo Rotimi informed the Executive Director of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), Comrade Buna Isiak that he has personally contacted the head of Lagos State Office of the Public Defender, OPD and the lady in question has been assured justice.
I have spoken with the head of OPD to take the matter up and as well ensured speaking with victim. We must always use our office to protect our people. An Ibo man or whosoever, no matter how wealthy or influencial cannot harrase our people in Lagos with impunity”.
Leaders of several Civil society bodies were infuriated by the widely reported action of some police officers at Olosan Division and determined to ensure justice for the victim at all costs.
Comrade Rasak Oladosu a.k.a Buska, a Pan Yoruba leader and activist was at the forefront of the struggle and general mobilization among the CSO.
According to Comrade Reverend Dr. Olumuyiwa Kushimo from his comment at the Police/ CSO platform, the matter must be promptly investigated to clear the good image of the Nigerian Police
“Imagine the nonsense!
Why would some people be dragging the good image of the force to mud…even reasonable human would like to compliment the effort of IGP on justice and sustenance of human rights in this country.
Let AIG take over the matter, he’s known for high lever of discipline and zero tolerance to anything that will damage the image of the force.”
A leader of a Lagos CSO team, Otunba Gbenga Soloki insist that the CP should intervene promptly
“Lagos CP should intervene in the matter and expose those behind the shenanigans”.
The Police PRO, CSP Olumuyiwa known and always appreciated for his regular prompt response to any issue raise by the Human Rights community has finally assured that the Lagos CP in already working on the matter and has finally instructed the Area Commander to take charge.