Police Arrest IPO for Tampering with Lagos Teen Sexual Assault Case File

Maryam Aminu

Detectives from the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, have arrested an Investigating Police Officer (IPO) from Isheri Osun Division for allegedly tampering with critical evidence in the sexual assault case of a teenage student.

The victim, 16-year-old Edozie Michael Chiagozie, was reportedly assaulted anally by a well-known Lagos hotelier, Macdonald Okpara, in late 2023. After confiding in his mother, the teenager reportedly suffered a mental breakdown.

Following the revelation, detectives from Zone 2, acting on the directive of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade, arrested Okpara. However, complications arose when the suspect’s lawyer claimed the case had already been reported to the same Zone for investigation.

Upon retrieving the case file from a Zone 2 unit, investigators reportedly discovered that crucial documents had been tampered with. Missing evidence included a confessional statement from another alleged victim, identified as Balogun, and medical reports from Mirabel Center at the General Hospital, Ikeja.

AIG Fayoade subsequently ordered an expanded investigation, leading detectives from the Zonal Oracle Unit, led by CSP Uba, to storm Isheri Osun Police Station. During questioning, the IPO reportedly admitted to removing key documents from the case file and later produced the hidden statements. One of these contained a second victim’s detailed account of the alleged abuse, supported by documented evidence.

The IPO was immediately detained and is undergoing interrogation to determine who influenced him and whether he received financial inducements.

Meanwhile, detectives reported that during a search of Okpara’s residence in Egbeda, the suspect initially attempted to mislead them by directing them to a different location. However, officers successfully traced his main house. Investigators are also planning to inspect another of Okpara’s properties, a secluded mansion near his hotel in Bucknor, Ejigbo Division, which is said to be heavily restricted.

Further reports allege that when Zone 2 detectives attempted to arrest Okpara at his Empire Hotel, he contacted officers from Ejigbo Police Division, who allegedly deployed armed men to interfere. Instead of assisting in the lawful arrest, the officers reportedly attempted to obstruct the operation, allowing Okpara to escape temporarily.

Sources claim that powerful individuals are working behind the scenes to protect Okpara. Several attempts have allegedly been made to persuade Zone 2 detectives to
offer him a “soft landing.” However, police authorities insist that AIG Fayoade remains committed to ensuring justice is served.

Despite alleged efforts to blackmail detectives with claims of financial demands, the Zone 2 command has maintained its stance on conducting a thorough and transparent investigation.

Police Arrest IPO for Tampering with Lagos Teen Sexual Assault Case File

Maryam Aminu

Detectives from the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, have arrested an Investigating Police Officer (IPO) from Isheri Osun Division for allegedly tampering with critical evidence in the sexual assault case of a teenage student.

The victim, 16-year-old Edozie Michael Chiagozie, was reportedly assaulted anally by a well-known Lagos hotelier, Macdonald Okpara, in late 2023. After confiding in his mother, the teenager reportedly suffered a mental breakdown.

Following the revelation, detectives from Zone 2, acting on the directive of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade, arrested Okpara. However, complications arose when the suspect’s lawyer claimed the case had already been reported to the same Zone for investigation.

Upon retrieving the case file from a Zone 2 unit, investigators reportedly discovered that crucial documents had been tampered with. Missing evidence included a confessional statement from another alleged victim, identified as Balogun, and medical reports from Mirabel Center at the General Hospital, Ikeja.

AIG Fayoade subsequently ordered an expanded investigation, leading detectives from the Zonal Oracle Unit, led by CSP Uba, to storm Isheri Osun Police Station. During questioning, the IPO reportedly admitted to removing key documents from the case file and later produced the hidden statements. One of these contained a second victim’s detailed account of the alleged abuse, supported by documented evidence.

The IPO was immediately detained and is undergoing interrogation to determine who influenced him and whether he received financial inducements.

Meanwhile, detectives reported that during a search of Okpara’s residence in Egbeda, the suspect initially attempted to mislead them by directing them to a different location. However, officers successfully traced his main house. Investigators are also planning to inspect another of Okpara’s properties, a secluded mansion near his hotel in Bucknor, Ejigbo Division, which is said to be heavily restricted.

Further reports allege that when Zone 2 detectives attempted to arrest Okpara at his Empire Hotel, he contacted officers from Ejigbo Police Division, who allegedly deployed armed men to interfere. Instead of assisting in the lawful arrest, the officers reportedly attempted to obstruct the operation, allowing Okpara to escape temporarily.

Sources claim that powerful individuals are working behind the scenes to protect Okpara. Several attempts have allegedly been made to persuade Zone 2 detectives to
offer him a “soft landing.” However, police authorities insist that AIG Fayoade remains committed to ensuring justice is served.

Despite alleged efforts to blackmail detectives with claims of financial demands, the Zone 2 command has maintained its stance on conducting a thorough and transparent investigation.

Meanwhile, investigators are expanding their probe to determine if any senior officers within the police force were complicit in shielding the suspect. Detectives are also considering summoning officers from Ejigbo Division to explain their alleged role in obstructing Okpara’s arrest.

AIG Fayoade stated that both Okpara and the IPO remain in police custody. Investigators are optimistic that further questioning will yield more insights into the extent of the cover-up and whether additional arrests will be made.

Meanwhile, investigators are expanding their probe to determine if any senior officers within the police force were complicit in shielding the suspect. Detectives are also considering summoning officers from Ejigbo Division to explain their alleged role in obstructing Okpara’s arrest.

AIG Fayoade stated that both Okpara and the IPO remain in police custody. Investigators are optimistic that further questioning will yield more insights into the extent of the cover-up and whether additional arrests will be made.