Ozoro: Police arrest 11 more over sexual harassment

Eleven more persons have been arrested by the police over the sexual harassment and molestation of women during a festival in Oramudu quarters in Ozoro community, Isoko North local government, Delta state.

A statement by the spokesman of the Delta state police command, SP Bright Edafe, said the latest arrest brought the number of those so far in police custody over the issue to 15.

He added that preliminary findings by the police indicated that the alleged harassment and molestation of the women during the festival were done by suspected criminal elements, who took advantage of the festivity to carry out their actions.

The statement reads: “Further to the earlier disturbing reports on the alleged incidents of sexual assaults in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro, the command wishes to update the public based on recent developments in the ongoing investigation

“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

“Acting on this directive, operatives of CP-SAT, led conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, this led to the arrest of eleven additional suspects. The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexual violence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

“The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”