UNIOSUN Management Speaks On Alleged Rape Of Female Student By Corps Member
The management of Osun State University has reacted to the alleged rape of a female student of the university by a corps member.
Osun Defender reports that a man named Soji Ezekiel, currently undertaking his one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has been apprehended by the police in Osun State on allegations of raping an undergraduate from the university.
The identity of the female victim has been withheld for privacy reasons. The incident occurred in Soji’s room, located behind Nawarudeen Primary School, in the Oke-Baale area of Osogbo Local Government Area.
Reportedly, the female victim visited Soji’s apartment along with her friend to charge her phone due to a power outage in the area on the night of Friday, February 16, 2024. After the two ladies entered Soji’s place, the victim’s friend left the room shortly after plugging her phone in to attend to other matters.
However, upon her return, she found her friend screaming as Soji, also known as SOJ, allegedly raped her twice.
Soji, a corps member serving in Ilorin, Kwara State, but frequently visiting Osogbo during his breaks, purportedly threatened to harm the victim with a bottle if she resisted his advances.
Despite efforts by neighbours to intervene by banging on Soji’s door, he allegedly refused to let them in, exacerbating the situation.
A witness recounted that it was only after a vigilante officer arrived at Soji’s apartment with a gun and fired into the air that Soji relented and allowed the victim to leave in the early hours of Saturday, February 17. Subsequently, a team of policemen arrived at the scene and apprehended Soji.
Concerned residents notified a human rights activist, Citizen Lola Wey, who took up the case and brought it to the attention of the state government.
UNIOSUN Management Reacts
Meanwhile, in a statement on Tuesday by Ademola Adesoji, the Public Relations Officer of the University, said there is no concrete evidence to confirm that the victim is a student of the university.
According to the statement, “We, at Osun State University, have noted with concern the recent reports circulating in the media regarding an alleged rape incident involving a student and a Corps Member. While we take any case of sexual assault with the utmost seriousness and empathy, it is imperative to clarify certain details to ensure accuracy and avoid misinformation.
“As of our preliminary investigation, we have not found concrete evidence to confirm that the victim is indeed a student of Osun State University. We emphasize the importance of accurate reporting, especially when it comes to sensitive matters that can significantly impact the reputation of an organization and its students.
“Our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students remains unwavering. However, we urge bloggers and media outlets to exercise caution and diligence in their reporting, ensuring that they verify information thoroughly before dissemination.
“Cases of sexual assault are deeply distressing, and our thoughts are with anyone who may have experienced such trauma. We encourage victims to report incidents promptly to the appropriate authorities, including the police and the university’s security, to ensure a swift and just resolution.
“We await the conclusion of the ongoing police investigation into this matter, and we trust that the legal process will provide a fair and accurate account of the events in question.
“We reiterate our commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for all students at Osun State University.”
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
