The Ogun State Police Command has officially refuted allegations of professional misconduct regarding a gang-rape investigation in Ijebu-Ode.

The response follows a petition dated March 22, 2026, submitted by the Safer Society for Children (SSC) Foundation and the Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF).

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command maintained that the case was handled professionally from the beginning.

According to the police, four suspects – Kalu Prosper, Oche Destiny, Adamu Paul and Adewusi Qudus – have already been charged to court, with the matter now before the judiciary.

“The investigation of the alleged rape incident in Ijebu-Ode was conducted with the highest level of professionalism at every stage.

“The suspects have been formally charged to court, and the judiciary is actively handling the case to ensure justice is served,” the statement read.

The Command also addressed claims that the victim was exposed to further harm, saying proper procedures were followed throughout the process.

“At no point was the victim compromised. All necessary requirements for a thorough investigation, including medical examinations, evidence collection and proper documentation, were strictly adhered to,” it added.

While the petitioners alleged that the police failed to protect the victim, the Command insisted that officers prioritised the victim’s safety, dignity and rights during the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police in the state has, however, ordered a review of the issues raised in the petition.

“The Command remains open to verifiable facts and will act decisively if any breach of duty is established,” the statement said.

The police also called on members of the public with useful information to come forward as the review continues.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to host a high-level virtual webinar focused on helping public institutions to strengthen revenue systems, improve fiscal transparency, and build smarter digital structures for collections, oversight, and accountability.

Scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the session, themed Digital Fiscal Transparency: Unlocking Sub-national Opportunities for International Partners, will bring together a cross-section of public sector leaders, development institutions, heads of parastatals and agencies, as well as financial experts to explore practical solutions for stronger public finance management.

“As public institutions seek ways to improve internally generated revenue and strengthen public trust, there has been a renewed focus on fiscal transparency. This is particularly important in the face of recent macro and micro economic developments with many public sector agencies under pressure to do more with limited resources.

“It is against this background that we have conceptualised this session with a particular focus on how digital platforms can support structured invoicing, seamless collections, payment automation, contractor disbursement transparency, real-time revenue oversight amongst other pertinent areas of revenue mobilization and administration in Nigeria”, commented Richard Madiebo, Divisional Head, Public Sector, Fidelity Bank Plc.

The event is expected to offer timely insights into how modern revenue infrastructure can help institutions improve efficiency, drive accountability, and support better fiscal outcomes.

The webinar will address key issues facing many public institutions today, including revenue leakages, fragmented collection channels, weak visibility into revenue performance, poor reconciliation processes, and the growing need for more transparent and technology-driven systems.

According to Madiebo, “The webinar forms part of our commitment to provide practical solutions that support public sector transformation and stronger sub-national development. This is in line with Fidelity Bank’s mandate to help individuals to grow, businesses to thrive and economies to prosper.”

Interested participants may register at www.fidelitybank.ng/publicsectorwebinar

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) stated that it did not detect the alleged “rape festival” in Ozoro, Delta State, earlier because it does not currently have an operational command or office in the state.

In response to public criticism regarding its lack of awareness of the “age-long culture,” the agency explained that it “cannot be everywhere at all times” and relies on societal participation to report such incidents.

The agency stressed that combating human trafficking and gender-based violence requires the active participation of all sectors of society.

A Facebook user identified as Chukwunenye Nweke had asked why the agency was not aware of the age-long culture.

“Did the festival start this month that NAPTIP Nigeria did not know about it before now?

“Well, since the evil and criminal act is tagged as tradition, I believe it has passed many generations. What were you doing since then?” Nweke had asked NAPTIP.

Responding to the question from the Facebook user, NAPTIP said, “As you know, we cannot be everywhere at all times. Currently, we do not have a command yet in the Delta State. Fighting this menace needs an approach from all of society.

“If you see something, say something. Going forward, we implore you to use your page and try to spread the information on the ills and dangers of Human Trafficking and Sexual and Gender-based violence.”

The agency had earlier strongly condemned the alleged assaults, describing the acts as violations of human rights and dignity and a form of gender-based violence.

“We commend the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State for their swift response and arrests of suspects, including the organizer and the community head.

“NAPTIP shall continue to support all actions aimed at ensuring justice for the victims as well as preventing the recurrence of such crimes in the future,” it said.

PUNCH Online had reported that the incident occurred on Thursday, March 19, during an annual festival in Ozoro.

Viral videos circulating on social media showed groups of men attacking women in public, forcefully tearing their clothes, and subjecting them to various forms of molestation.

Some accounts further allege that certain victims may have been raped, though these claims have not been officially verified.

According to local sources, the festival reportedly includes an expectation that women remain indoors during the event, with those found outside allegedly becoming targets for harassment.

The disturbing footage has sparked widespread outrage, prompting debates about cultural practices that may perpetuate violence against women.