The Lagos State Police Command has debunked reports alleging that it attempted to release a foreign national accused of defiling eight children, describing the claims as false, misleading, and mischievous.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebesin, said the case was being handled by the Gender Unit with professionalism and strict adherence to global best practices.
“The Lagos State Police Command is not involved in any alleged attempt to release a Lebanese accused of defiling eight children. The story is inaccurate and misleading,” Adebesin said.
She explained that the investigation was being conducted by officers specially trained to handle cases involving children and vulnerable persons, assuring that due process was being followed.
The statement also clarified that preliminary findings showed the suspect was not a Lebanese but a citizen of a Southern African country.
It added that the Command was determined to ensure justice in the matter.
According to Adebesin, both the child and her biological mother have given statements confirming that the girl was neither molested nor defiled by the suspect.
However, the Command noted that the child’s father, who occasionally has custody, filed a separate complaint, which is being investigated to ensure fairness and transparency.
The outcome of the probe, it said, would be made public once concluded.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a discreet inquiry into the allegations published in the media, assuring that “no stone will be left unturned.”
The statement added that the journalist who published the initial report had been contacted and briefed on the ongoing investigation.
The Command also reaffirmed confidence in the Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Unit, ACP Toyin Kazeem, noting that she was on official duty in the United States attending the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference when the case was first reported.
CP Jimoh described ACP Kazeem as “a seasoned and professional officer whose leadership has brought pride to the Command and justice to many women and children in Lagos.”
While urging the public to disregard false narratives, the Police Command assured that the findings of the investigation would be made public.
“The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to upholding justice, particularly in cases involving minors and other vulnerable groups,” the statement added.