CampusLife
UNILAG student narrates how she was gang raped by 8 students
By: Nmerichukwu Igweamaka
A student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Tuesday told an Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court that she was gang-raped by eight fellow students and blackmailed with a video recording of the assault.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Miss Z (name withheld), a 19-year-old student of the institution made the revelation while giving evidence during the trial of five students over the alleged crimes.
The students are -Moboluwaji Omowole, 19, Chuka Chukwu, 19, Peace Nwankama, 19, James Aguedu, 20 and Osemeka Josephine, 20.
They face a three-count charge of defilement of a child, permitting the defilement of a child in a premises and procuration.
Other students who are alleged by authorities to be accomplices to the crimes are still at large.
Miss Z who was 17-years-old at the time of the alleged gang rape was led in evidence by Mrs K.A Momoh-Ayokambi, the lead state prosecutor.
In a lengthy testimony which lasted for 2 hours and 10 minutes, she gave an explicit account of her ordeal.
Narrating the events that led to the alleged gang rape, she told the court that she became friends with Nwankaba (the third defendant) who was her roommate when she moved into school hostel at the 2016/2017 academic session.
She alleged that Nwankaba, her friend and roommate lured her to be gang raped.
“I had three roommates which included Peace Nwankaba, during the course of being in the room, Peace and I became friends, she even introduced me to her parents on our matriculation day between Jan. 13 to 17 2017.
“One day in the early afternoon around 12pm, Peace called me on the phone and asked if I was around and asked if I wanted to hang with another boy called Yinka (now at large) at High Rise which is a staff quarters hostel at UNILAG.
“At the time I did not know what High Rise was, I told her and she said it was a hostel where people stay.
“I told her I was not sure that I will think about it, she cut the call and called me again within the space of five minutes but this time it was Yinka who was talking to me.
“He told me it was supposed to be a hang out and Peace will be there. At that point I agreed and since I didn’t know where High Rise was Yinka and Peace told me to meet them at Jaja Hall, a male hostel at UNILAG.
“When I got there I only met Yinka with James (fourth defendant). When I saw Yinka I asked of Peace and he said she is at High Rise.”
She said when she got to High Rise, she was led to a small building behind High Rise where she met Seriki (now at large) and a group of boys but was assured by Yinka that Peace will come to the premises.
Miss Z said: “James led me up a flight of stairs and we got into a room, there were boys outside the corridor because some of the boys who were downstairs had come upstairs.
“I entered the room with Seriki and James but Yinka stayed outside, when I entered the room I met two boys and a girl. The boys are- Emmanuel (at large), I cannot remember the name of the second boy and Josephine (the fifth defendant).
“When James and Seriki entered the room, Josephine and the two boys left and at this point it was clear to me that Peace was not in High Rise.
“Yinka then asked me to have sex with him, I said no but he continued forcefully persisting and removing my clothes at this point, two other people who were looking into the room entered the room and held me down while Yinka had forceful sex with me.
“In no particular order, the following took their turns – Daniel, James, Yinka, Bolu (first defendant), Seriki, Emmanuel and two other people who I don’t know their name. They were eight men.”
Miss Z said that following the alleged gang rape, she was subjected to further sexual assault by some of defendants and their accomplices.
“After they did that they all came into the room including Josephine and they started playing music. Four people held me down and were touching me all around while Josephine was either kissing one of them or dancing with one of them.
“At a point, Josephine asked if she could kiss me while I was trying to fight off the people around. I was thinking of leaving but I was outnumbered and I didn’t know if those downstairs were part of them.
“Eventually Josephine kissed me and they made comments like its not that bad etc. When they were molesting me, there was a guy who was sitting down and video recording all that was happening on a phone.
“My first instinct was to get the phone from him but I thought I was outnumbered. At a point when they were leaving, they led me outside the building and they told me they had a video of what happened.
“They said if I don’t want to be popular in school, I have to answer them anytime they wanted to have sex. They collected my number and shared it among themselves,” she said.
Miss Z said she did not know how to handle the situation and kept everything that happened to herself because she was scared she will get into a lot of trouble because of the video and that her father will be very angry.
She said she felt victimised and in bondage. She also said that she gave Nwankaba her roommate the benefit of doubt thinking that she was unaware of what happened to her.
“I was still talking to Peace as I assumed she did not know what happened. I trusted her, she introduced me to her parents during matriculation and we were in the same room,” she said.
Miss Z told the court that a week or two after the alleged incident she was on more than two occasions subjected to more gang rape and sexual assault by the members of the group who now included Simi, Randy, Idowu and Eddy (who are all at large).
She alleged that some of the assault and defilement occurred at Chukwu’s (second defendants) parents house Pako area of Yaba.
Miss Z told the court that to add to her ordeal, rumours about the video tape began to make rounds in the school premises.
“I started hearing stories and the narrative was as though I wanted it. Henry, a friend of Peace told me that I was popular at Jaja Hall and that there was a video and I wanted to get away from it.
“I had a friend (name withheld) who we both belong to an organization in school. He liked me and he is the type to find out about everyone he likes. When he heard about the story and video he asked questions.
“Unknown to me, he reported to the school authorities and on Mar. 1, 2017, he told me to follow him to Ecobank to withdraw money but unknown to me, he wanted me to see the school counselor.
“The school counselor beckoned to me, I saw my biodata in her hands, she asked me to follow her and at this point I knew who she was.
“I thought I was going to be expelled, she pulled out a form and asked me to state what happened and I told her everything, she told me the school was behind my back and she said they will be caught, ” Miss Z said.
She said the counselor asked her to lure Omowole (first defendant) to a place within the school premises where he was arrested, taken to the office of the Dean Student Affairs where he provided the names of the rest of his alleged accomplices.
The student said she was admitted at the UNILAG Medical Center for three days where the parents of arrested students tried soliciting her to not doing anything about the case.
“From the Medical Center, I went home and stayed for three weeks, during that time their parents were trying to bribe my family with between N3million to N5million.
“My family declined as my mother and brothers were very supportive,” she said.
Miss Z said when she returned to school, the story was in the news and she was being harassed as a result.
“A journalist posted the story in Nairaland and Linda Ikeji blog and one of the defendants created a fake account revealing my identity.
“My photo was also taken by some of Chukwu (second defendant) and one Eddy (at large) in the school premises.
“The people who raped and defiled me are in the
same clique, they went to the same secondary school called ISL, I don’t know
the full name of the secondary school, ”
she said.
Justice Sururat Soladoye adjourned the case until March 18 for cross-examination of Miss Z. (NAN)
CampusLife
How To Identify Someone’s True Personality
There are times when you begin to observe somebody in your neighborhood, office, church or place of business. It might be someone you are beginning to like or someone you have interest in.
If it is any those reasons then you are likely to observe and decipher the person’s personality. However, here are some of the clues or things you need to look out for:
Observe the way they treat common people out there, e.g. Beggars, homeless people, waitress, cleaners etc. You can use this to measure their level of sympathy and empathy.
How do they talk about other people, do they mock, belittle and gossip about them? Such people cannot be trusted.
During difficulties and challenges in life, observe their behaviour. Are they calm or do they let their emotion overwhelm them? It’s either the person has the confidence or lacks confidence.
Anytime you are having a conversation with them: can they maintain eye contact or do they avoid eye contact?
Do you have a friend that remembers you only anytime he or she needs your assistance? It is a sign that the person doesn’t value a deep relationship and he or she is just using you.
CampusLife
Meet 19-year old Ebube Rebecca Okeke UniLokoja Best Graduating Student – Economics
- In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give? – Ebube
BY: Sandra Ani
Nineteen year-old (19) Ebube Rebecca Okeke has emerged the Best Graduating Students (Department of Economic) and Best Graduating Student from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with a CGPA of 4:71, at the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.
She attributed the feat to the mentorship by her mother, hard-work and prayers, stressing that she learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment.
GrassRoots.ng has a chat with Ebube…enjoy the dialogue
Can we meet you
My name is Ebube Rebecca Okeke, a graduate of Economics from Federal University Lokoja. I am 19 years old and I hail from Enugu State; Isi-Uzo Local Government Area to be precise.
Tell us about this big win of yours
To the glory of God; I emerged the Best graduating student from the Department of Economics and the Best graduating student from the Faculty of Arts and Social sciences with a CGPA of 4:71.
I particularly want to thank God for the grace, wisdom and strength. I also want to specially appreciate my mom; my best friend, mentor, role model and teacher. She thought me the value of hard-work, goal setting and goal getting. I’m grateful mom. To all of my lecturers, the entire staff of federal university Lokoja, my friends and family, Thank you for the support
I started this journey in the year 2015 and made straight A’s with a GP of 5.00 during my first semester in the university. That semester was tough and amazing. I learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment I found myself and how to make proper and beneficial decisions. I learnt the importance of relationships and diligence too. I made some pretty amazing friends, not just with students alone but with lecturers too and I’m grateful.
Every success story has bumps, but with the help of God, my family and friends I overcame. To everyone reading this, in which ever field you might be in you’ll definitely encounter challenges but don’t let it stop you, keep pushing.
To every student, read like it all depends on you, pray like it all depends on God and get a skill or develop your passion. Improve yourself mentally and other wise. The world’s changing, you should too.
How was it like growing up
I had an amazing child hood; went to the best primary and secondary schools; Spring Nursery and Primary school and Harmony Secondary school. Mom was very strict about the kind of movies and TV shows I watched; my social media activities and all that. It was annoying then, but now I’m grateful
Was there a time when teachers or mom had to force you to read?
Teachers; No. Mom; No. She basically just encouraged me, advised me and helped me through it. She was my lesson teacher. We did all my assignments together. During my undergraduate days, there were courses I didn’t really understand like Philosophy, Mom would read them and make notes/summaries for me.
In this era, some students believe it’s all about sorting, how can one stand out?
In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give? Be diligent, don’t give the lecturers to put a negative tab on you. Attend classes, write all of your tests and assignments and submit on due dates
What’s your next plan?
To begin the real journey towards greatness. To start living and working towards my dreams and make impacts.
Congratulation, Ebube.
Thank you so much for this great opportunity and the feature.
CampusLife
Reps member donates 200-seater e-library to UNN
BY: Ikenna Oluka
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has inaugurated a 200-seater e-library furnished and donated to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) by the member, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu.
Inaugurating the e-library, Gov. Ugwuanyi commended Hon. Asadu for the bold initiative aimed at improving the standard of education in the university.
The e-library, which is located at Professor Paul Akubue Building, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, comprises 200 computers fully installed with internet facilities and office furniture.
Speaking at the event, the Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. A.A Attamah described the donation as “marvelous” and “unexpected”, adding the gesture has uplifted the university’s quest for educational excellence.
In his remark, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Patrick Uchenna Okpoko, thanked the parliamentarian for “the wonderful gesture”, commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for his good works in the state.
Shortly after the event, Hon. Asadu was honoured with a grand reception by his community, Ovoko in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area alongside the member representing Igbo-Eze South Constituency, Hon. Emeka Madu.
The reception, which was attended by Gov. Ugwuanyi and other dignitaries, according to the people of Ovoko, was in recognition of the numerous contributions of their two illustrious sons towards the development of their community, the state and the country.
The community also honoured Gov. Ugwuanyi for his support and participations of their sons in active politics and further to confer on him a chieftaincy title of “Ebubedike of Ovoko”.
Speaking, Dr. Pat Asadu, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a worthy leader and great achiever with human-milk of kindness, whose positive disposition cuts across all segments of humanity.
He said the governor has “done so well in office and has positively transformed politics in this state”, uniting people and communities that have had issues in the past, such as Ovoko and Ibagwa-Aka after many years of enmity, “courtesy of your humility and forthrightness”.
He assured Ugwuanyi of the continued loyalty and support of his people even after he leaves office as the governor and prayed for God’s unflinching protection for him and his family.
Also speaking, Hon. Madu who extolled Gov. Ugwuanyi’s leadership qualities and the fatherly role he has played in his life stated that the governor has brought smiles to the people of the area through his infrastructural development and human empowerment programme, stressing that “today’s ceremony is a clear manifestation of His Excellency’s noble achievements.
“You have brought smiles to the people of Ovoko in particular and Igbo-Eze South in general. Without you we wouldn’t have been here. Your humility, Godly devotion, peace and infrastructural development are unprecedented and worthy of commendation”, Hon. Madu said.
In his speech, Bishop of Enugu North Diocese (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev. Sosthenes Eze, applauded the governor for entrenching peace and good governance in the state, maintaining that his peace initiative and paradigm shift in developing the rural areas are commendable and unprecedented.
“Your Excellency, your approach to peace and security and your massive infrastructural developments especially in the rural areas, speak volume. We pray God to continue to bless you and your unrelenting efforts to take Enugu State to greater heights.
Earlier, the council chairman, Hon. Dr. Fidelis Odo, disclosed that the governor’s recruitment of forest guards and members of the neighbourhood watch groups has given succor to many families and provided security to the people of the state.
He thanked the governor for making it possible for two of their illustrious sons to represent them at both National and State Assemblies, pointing out that many of their people have been appointed into government by the present administration in the state.
Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked them for the reception and reiterated his unalloyed commitment towards serving the people of the state irrespective of political, religious or social affiliation.
He solicited their continued prayers and thanked them for honouring him with a chieftaincy title.
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