The Lagos State Police Command has denied reports that it was involved in an attempt to release a Lebanese national in custody for allegedly defiling eight children.
The Police issued the denial through a statement signed by Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
In the statement, titled “RE: Outrage as Lagos Police Allegedly Attempt to Release Lebanese Accused of Defiling Eight Children”, the command described the story as “inaccurate and misleading.”
“The Lagos State Police Command is not involved in any alleged attempt to release a Lebanese accused of defiling eight children,” the statement said, adding that the matter is being handled discreetly by the Gender Unit of the command.
The Police said the investigation is being conducted by specially trained gender case specialists in line with international best practices and standard operating procedures for cases involving children and young persons.
The statement clarified that the accused is not Lebanese but a national of a Southern African country, and that both the child and her biological mother affirmed the child was not molested or defiled.
The complaint by the child’s father, who has custody, is under careful investigation to ensure justice and prevent any miscarriage of justice, with the outcome to be made public.
Commissioner of Police CP Olohundare Jimoh directed a discreet investigation into the allegations raised by the reporter to ensure thorough examination of the matter.
The statement highlighted the competence and professionalism of Assistant Commissioner of Police Toyin Kazeem, Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Unit, who was abroad at the time of the report. The Gender Unit has a track record of handling sensitive cases involving women and children with integrity and dedication.
The Lagos State Police Command urged the public and media to continue to trust its ability to deliver justice in all cases, especially those involving children and vulnerable groups, and promised that the outcome of the investigation will be publicly disclosed upon completion.
