The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of eleven additional suspects in connection with the alleged sexual assaults of women at a festival in Ozoro.
The newly arrested suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, and Evidence Oguname.
The Command had earlier announced on Friday the arrest of the chief organiser, Omorede Sunday, along with four other suspects, bringing the total number of individuals arrested to 16.
“Further to the earlier disturbing reports on the alleged incidents of sexual assaults in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro, the Command wishes to update the public based on recent developments in the ongoing investigation.
“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident,” the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said in a statement on Saturday.
SP Edafe revealed that acting on the directive, operatives of the CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the latest arrests.
The Command reiterated that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexual violence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, condemned the acts and reaffirmed that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
CP Adesola urged members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, to come forward with credible information to aid the ongoing investigation, assuring that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.
