Lagos DPO Accused of Rape has been Arrested & Relieved of his Post

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Onikan Station, Mr. Adekunle Awe who was accused of alleged rape and threat to life. 31-year-old cook, Idowu Akinwunmi, had accused Awe of raping her in his office on April 15, 2014 (if you have missed it, click here) and according to Punch, two other policemen of the rank of inspector were also arrested as part of ongoing investigations.

A reliable source told Punch correspondent on Friday that the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, the Lagos State Government and other human rights groups were interested in the matter.The source said:

“The DPO has been detained at the Special Investigation Bureau at the command headquarters. Two other inspectors, who were on duty when the alleged offence took place have also been arrested. The state government frowns at rape and if you recall, a new law on rape was passed not too long ago so we shall be leaving no stone unturned. The complainant and the accused persons as well as very senior officers of the command all had a meeting in the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration and I can tell you authoritatively that no stone will be left unturned.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, also confirmed the development on the telephone. She said:

“As you know, allegation of rape is a very grievous one and we have commenced investigation into the matter. The DPO has been relieved of his post and is in custody so as not to interfere with investigations. I want to assure the public that the command is not taking it lightly and will make sure that we get to the root of the matter.