Police arrest okada rider for robbing, raping OAU student

The Osun State Police Command has apprehended a 29-year-old man, Damilare Jacob, suspected of rape and armed robbery.

The Command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, announced the arrest during a press briefing at the state police headquarters on Wednesday. Damilare, a commercial motorcyclist, is accused of robbing and sexually assaulting a student from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

According to Opalola, the incident occurred on the evening of Friday, July 26, 2024. The student, who has chosen to remain anonymous, hired Damilare’s services around 7:05 pm to transport her from Ile-Ife to Moro town. However, instead of taking her to her destination, Damilare diverted to a secluded area near the RCC junction along the Ilesa/Ibadan Expressway.

In the isolated location, Damilare allegedly robbed the student of her belongings, including an iPhone XS Max valued at N320,000, a Samsung Galaxy A71 worth N150,000, an Airtel Wi-Fi device valued at N10,000, and N20,000 in cash. He then proceeded to sexually assault her. Disturbingly, he also cut hairs from her pubic area, armpits, and head, and threatened her life if she reported the crime.

“The complainant engaged the services of the suspect, a commercial motorcyclist, who later diverted into a bush near the RCC junction on the Ilesa/Ibadan Expressway. There, he robbed her of valuable items and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her without her consent,” Opalola stated. “The suspect also cut her hair from several parts of her body and threatened to kill her if she spoke out.”

Following the attack, the victim received medical care at the Police Hospital in Osogbo. Damilare was eventually apprehended by the authorities and has confessed to committing the crime.

Opalola confirmed that Damilare will face charges in court once the investigation is completed.