The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, for allegedly conspiring to drug and rape a fellow student of the institution. The arrests were confirmed on Monday in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade.
According to the police, the incident occurred after the 20-year-old victim was invited by her long-time friend and secondary school mate, identified as 19-year-old Queen Sodo, to her residence. Trusting the familiarity built over years of friendship, the victim accepted an offer of a drink upon arrival.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the drink presented to her by Sodo had been laced with drugs, causing the unsuspecting victim to lose consciousness shortly after consuming it. The police said Sodo then left the room to call in her male accomplice, who allegedly committed the assault while she kept watch.
Ayanlade disclosed that the criminal act was interrupted when a neighbour heard unusual noise coming from the room and intervened, leading to the rescue of the victim. The student was immediately rushed to a hospital, where she received urgent medical treatment.
Following the neighbour’s intervention and subsequent police action, both suspects were arrested. The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspects have confessed to the crime and detailed the roles they each played, providing investigators with critical information to aid prosecution.
The police also recovered key exhibits from the crime scene, including the bottle containing the drug-laced drink, which has been identified by both the suspects and the victim. The bottle is expected to undergo toxicology testing as part of ongoing investigations.
Ayanlade noted that the suspects are currently in lawful custody and will be transferred to the Gender Desk Office in Akure for further investigation before formal charges are filed in court. He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring justice is served.
He advised parents and guardians to educate their children on the importance of maintaining caution in friendships and social interactions, stressing that misplaced trust can have devastating consequences. He added that the police will not relent in tracking and prosecuting criminals involved in gender-based violence.
The development comes amid rising concerns over sexual violence in the country. Earlier on November 2, operatives of the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, arrested a commercial taxi driver, Adedayo Adegbola, accused of raping and robbing multiple female passengers across Lagos after luring them under the guise of transportation services.
