Police arrest 11 more suspects over ‘sexual assault’ during festival in Delta

The police command in Delta says it has arrested 11 more suspects over the alleged rape and assault of young women during a festival in the Ozoro community.

There was an outrage on social media on Thursday after multiple videos emerged on X showing men tearing the clothes of young women during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.

In one of the viral clips, men were seen groping the women in a manner widely described as animalistic and despicable.

A young woman was seen in the video sobbing and clutching her ripped clothes while being violently harassed by several men.

Following the incident, the police command in Delta said its operatives had arrested Omorede Sunday, a community leader, and four other suspects over allegations of rape and assault.

Providing an update in a statement on Saturday, Bright Edafe, police spokesperson in Delta, said the commissioner of police special assignment team (CP-SAT) conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence of the incident.

Edafe said 15 suspects have so far been taken into custody over the incident.

He identified some of those arrested as Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.

“These latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen,” the statement reads.

“The command reiterates 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, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations.

“The command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.” (The cable)