Ogun probes orphanage rape

APRIL 8, 2013 BY COMFORT OSEGHALE 4 COMMENTS

The orphanage

The Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs has begun investigation into the alleged rape incident at the Light of Hope Orphanage, Akute.

The Director of the orphanage, identified simply as Mr. Atunde was arrested last Wednesday by Zone 2 Police Command for allegedly having sex with two minors.

Atunde was accused of having sex with two of the minors (names withheld), after one of them showed up at her school, unable to walk properly, with blood dripping down her legs.

The 13-year-old claimed Atunde forced her to have sex with him.

The school authorities immediately notified Project Alert on Violence Against Women, a non-governmental organisation, which in turn notified the Zone 2 through a petition.

PUNCH Metro gathered on Saturday that the orphanage had been visited by officials of the ministry.

The Commissioner of Women Affairs, Mrs. Elizabeth Sonubi, told PUNCH Metro on the telephone that the ministry had convened a meeting of orphanages in the state.

She said, “We would like to know if they are registered and when the registration was done. As for Light of Hope Orphanage, we have begun investigation. Our officials have visited the place but I will need a complete report before making any statement.

“I am aware that the accused has already been arrested. We need to take proactive measures so that the other children in the orphanage don’t suffer. For now though, we are still investigating.”

Currently, about 22 children live at the orphanage, most of whom are minors.

As at press time, it was unclear if Atunde had regained his freedom from police custody. Sources told PUNCH Metro that as of Friday last week, Atunde was still trying to perfect his bail conditions.

A source said, “I know he was still trying to fulfill his bail conditions as of Friday last week. However, I cannot say if he was successful in doing that or not.”

There was no response from the Zone Two Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Femi Balogun. He did not reply the calls or text messages sent to his phone.

But out correspondent learnt on Sunday that Atunde secured his bail on Saturday.