Heartbreaking Tale of Incest and Betrayal Unfolds in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A chilling case of incest has shaken the Agbowa community in Lagos State, leaving residents reeling in shock and horror. Bashiru Abiodun, a 75-year-old father, stands accused of raping his 14-year-old daughter at their family home, No. 26, Papa-Ado street.
The cat was let out of the bag recently when the victim’s mother, Bunmi Abiodun, courageously broke her silence, reporting the incident to Advocate for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN) and Marvelous Garage Foundation (MGF).
These organizations swiftly lodged a complaint at the Agbowa-Ejirin Divisional Police Office, setting the wheels of justice in motion.
According to Bunmi, her daughter had confided in her, revealing the unthinkable: “Anytime she’s alone at home with her father, he touches her sensitive parts.” Initially, Bunmi struggled to accept the truth, clouded by societal taboos.
However, the harsh reality hit home when she caught Bashiru in the act, sparking a mix of emotions – shock, anger and determination.
On confronting her husband, what followed was even more disturbing. Bashiru Abiodun, unfazed by the gravity of his actions, boasted of his connections to the current Inspector General of Police (IGP) and showed no remorse.
In a brazen display of disregard for the law, he put his house up for sale and collected part payment to relocate, attempting to evade justice.
When eventually charged to court, it was like a scene from a bad movie as the perpetrator was granted bail on age and health grounds.
Speaking ACVPN, head rescue and referral Comrade Toyin Okanlawon, frowned at the incident, claiming it didn’t depict the officials as interested in providing the victim with the needed justice.
According to him, “when charged to court, the prosecutor and the IPO took the perpetrator into the chamber, without letting us know. We just saw them come out later, with the prosecutor saying he had been granted bail on age and health grounds.
That he was partially blind. But the man didn’t consider all that when he was defiling his daughter?
While narrating the events of November 14 at Ikorodu Magistrate Court 1. Ota-Ona, Ikorodu, Okanlawon described it as a travesty, claiming the prosecutor even called it a family matter.
Okanlawon stated: “When the complainant was asked to stand up for identification and I raised my hand, to my dismay the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Prosecutor Isaac Aminu shut me down. He said that I was not a complainant in the matter, and that it was a family case, which file was yet to be duplicated,” even after over three months?
Corroborating, Ebenezer Omejalile, co-founder of ACVPN, condemned Aminu’s actions, describing it as “heartbreaking, a big slap and disgrace” to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
The Lagos State Criminal Code section 137 unequivocally states that incest is a crime against the state and cannot be seen as a family affair.
Pleading that Aminu be called to order, the ACVPN’s official further disclosed receiving threatening calls from the perpetrator’s family,
As the case inches forward, adjourned to January 23rd, 2025, the perpetrator’s family continues to intimidate and threaten those seeking justice, further highlighting the dangers faced by those seeking justice.
ACVPN’s voice echoes the sentiments of the community, demanding accountability, that “those impeding justice should be treated like others, and such monsters should be locked up somewhere and the keys thrown away.”
This haunting tale raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in protecting vulnerable individuals.
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice must take decisive action to address corruption and incompetence, ensuring that justice is served. The community remains vigilant, seeking closure and healing for the victim and her family.
In the face of such atrocities, it is crucial to recognize the importance of organizations like ACVPN and MGF, providing vital support and advocacy for those affected by child abuse and incest.
Their tireless efforts serve as a beacon of hope, shining light on the darkest corners of society.
As this case unfolds, the nation watches with bated breath, awaiting justice for the innocent and accountability for the perpetrators. The battle against child abuse and incest requires unwavering resolve, and it is only through collective action that we can create a safer, more just society for all.
Business6 months ago
society6 months ago
society6 months ago
Politics6 months ago