Joy Anyim
A 41-year-old randy bus driver, identified as Jelili Lawal, has been arrested by men of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly raping a 78-year- old woman at Oloti Village in Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja.
The victim (name withheld) who had missed her way home had repportedly approached the suspect at Maryland Bus Stop on January 1, 2019, soliciting help with how to find her way home.
It was learnt that Lawal, who had offered to assist the old woman, had reportedly instead of taking the victim to her house in Ketu taken her to Oloti village where he perpetrated the act.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal, who paraded the suspects at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters said the suspect was arrested when a neighbour who heard the victim shouting had alerted the police.
Speaking, the state Police Boss said, “While the suspect was at it, the woman let out a cry that attracted someone in the neighbourhood who quickly called the police and directed them to the location where the cry emanated.
“That was how the police caught the suspect in the act and rescued the old woman who was already bleeding from her private parts as a result of the assault on her dignity. The victim has been taken to the hospital and she’s being counseled by trauma specialist.”
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However, Lawal who spoke briefly to journalists during the parade of the suspects, denied the allegation saying it was a ploy by neighbours to rubbish his reputation.
Lawal said, “On the day I gave the old woman a ride, she complained of been tried so I offered to take her to my house which was not too far from the bus Stop to rest.
“While we were in my room, I suddenly heard my friend’s wife and neighbours shouting. I came out to find out what was wrong only to be alleged of raping a 78 year old woman.
“What will I be doing with a 78 year old woman?” he asked.
“This is a plot by detractors to rubbish my image,” he said.
Similarly, a 17-year-old young man, Samuel Balogun, is currently cooling off his heels at the Alakuko Police Station for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl.
The suspect had reportedly taken the victim to an uncompleted building at No. 14 Ademola Abiola Street, Alakuko, when he carried out the act.
Balogun is currently undergoing interrogation at the Gender Section of the command.
CP Edgal said the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.