Edo State Police Command operatives have apprehended two minors and three others for allegedly stripping Christabel Akhigbe naked over purported phone theft.
The group allegedly recorded her nudity and shared it on social media.
The arrested individuals, identified as Blessing Lucky (15), Jennifer Eboigbe (30), Iziegbe Ogbodu (39), Naomi Ekhonetomwan (17), and Lucky Endurance (16), face charges of indecent assault on a female and cyber stalking.
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Commissioner of Police Funsho Adeboye, who presented the suspects at the command headquarters in Benin on Friday, explained that they accused Akhigbe of stealing an android phone and demanded its return.
Upon her compliance, they allegedly lured her to Lucky’s mother’s house, assaulted her, stripped her naked, and threatened her with pepper.
The incident was recorded and circulated on social media, prompting police intervention.
The suspects confessed to the crime and will soon face legal proceedings.
Adeboye cautioned against vigilantism, emphasizing that those involved in the incident had become suspects instead of complainants.
He urged citizens to report such incidents to the police and assured collaboration with human rights organizations to ensure justice.
One of the suspects, Eboigbe, expressed remorse, stating that despite Akhigbe’s pleas, they proceeded with the assault.
She expressed shame over their actions, acknowledging her role as a mother.
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