The arrest of a police officer on suspicion of raping a 17-year-old girl on the grounds of a well-known shopping mall in Opolo over the weekend caused outrage in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The defendant allegedly enticed the victim to the designated police post cubicle and then performed his deed, according to the results of the investigation conducted on the incident.
The investigation showed that the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, sought a thorough inquiry and closed the mall due to the occurrence.
The IYC was persuaded to reopen the mall only after the involvement of well-meaning Bayelsans and the promise of a thorough inquiry into the incident for prosecution.
The suspect’s detention was verified by an IYC statement stating that the Mobile Police Division (MOPOL 16) was in charge of the investigation.
In a statement issued by its chairman, Comrade Perez Iniefie, the IYC called the policeman’s behaviour “reprehensible.”
“The family followed all legal steps to secure the suspect’s arrest and support their daughter’s recovery. I was shocked to discover that the management had allegedly initially hidden the officer responsible for the crime.
“This unacceptable action led to the temporary closure of the facility, a move aimed at easing tensions within the Opolo community. The community had previously expressed concerns over the officer’s conduct toward other residents.
“The facility has resumed operations as the Mobile Police Division (Mopol 16) has arrested and provided the said officer for further investigation.
“The IYC wants to reaffirm its commitment to protecting the lives and rights of all Ijaw people. The leadership of the Central Zone is actively ensuring that this issue is followed through the appropriate legal channels, and we urge for calm and patience as justice is pursued.”
Even though a crime had allegedly been committed, Dise Goody Harry, the founder of the Do Foundation, stated that “we expect all parties concerned to allow for proper investigation on the allegations made against the police officer.”