Lagos Police Debunk Report on Alleged Attempt to Free Foreign Suspect in Child Defilement Case

Lagos Police Debunk Report on Alleged Attempt to Free Foreign Suspect in Child Defilement Case

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that it attempted to release a foreign national accused of defiling eight children, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the Police said the case in question is being professionally handled by the Gender Unit with utmost diligence and adherence to international best practices.

According to the statement titled “RE: Outrage as Lagos Police Allegedly Attempt to Release Lebanese Accused of Defiling Eight Children,” the Command clarified that the suspect is not a Lebanese national, but rather a citizen of one of the Southern African countries.

“The Lagos State Police Command is not involved in any alleged attempt to release a Lebanese accused of defiling eight children. The story is therefore inaccurate and misleading,” the statement read in part.

The Police further explained that the investigation is being conducted in line with standard procedures for cases involving minors and that both the child and her biological mother have given statements denying any act of molestation or defilement by the accused person.

However, the Command noted that the complaint filed by the child’s father, who currently has custody, is being thoroughly investigated to ensure justice is served and to prevent any miscarriage of justice.

The statement also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a discreet investigation into the claims made by the reporter of the controversial publication, assuring that the findings will be made public.

SP Adebisi further affirmed the Commissioner’s confidence in the leadership of the Gender Unit under Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Toyin Kazeem, who was on official assignment in the United States when the case was reported.

“Her exemplary track record, both locally and internationally, exemplifies her integrity, dedication, and commitment to handling gender-related and other sensitive cases,” the statement added.

The Command urged members of the public and the media to exercise restraint, avoid spreading unverified information, and maintain confidence in the Police’s ability to ensure justice, particularly in cases involving children and vulnerable persons.

“The outcome of this case will be made known to the public upon completion of the investigation,” the statement concluded.