Delta Police arrest 15 suspects over viral assault videos in Ozoro community

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven additional suspects in connection with disturbing reports of alleged sexual assaults in Oramudu Quarters, located in the Ozoro area of Delta State.

The arrests follow widespread outrage triggered by viral videos circulated on social media on Friday, showing groups of men assaulting women during what was falsely described as a “raping festival.”

The footage sparked public condemnation, with many Nigerians demanding the swift identification and prosecution of those responsible.

In an earlier response, police operatives moved quickly to apprehend the alleged organiser of the incident along with four other suspects.

Providing an update on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed that seven more suspects had been taken into custody following intensified investigations.

According to him, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) carried out a detailed review of available video evidence and actionable intelligence, leading to further arrests.

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“Acting on this directive, operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence. This led to the arrest of eleven additional suspects: Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. These latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15),” the statement read.

The Command clarified that preliminary findings indicate the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence, stressing that such actions have no link to any recognised cultural or traditional practice.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Aina Adesola, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as reprehensible and assuring the public of the Command’s commitment to justice.

He reiterated that all individuals involved would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The police further called on members of the public, particularly victims and eyewitnesses, to come forward with useful information to aid ongoing investigations, assuring that all submissions would be handled with strict confidentiality.