Counsel to Dr. Samuel Obinna Ojogbo, a lecturer at University of Lagos accused of raping a 20-year-old student, Finyinfoluwa Owonifari, Bidemi Ademola-Bello (SAN), has accused the alleged victim of falsely implicating his client.

Ademola-Bello made the allegation during the cross-examination of the complainant at the Lagos State High Court on Monday.

During the proceedings, the defence counsel argued that inconsistencies in the witness’s testimony suggested that the allegations were fabricated to tarnish his client’s reputation.

The counsel also questioned why the complainant allegedly destroyed a key piece of evidence in the case, adding that some of her responses contradicted her earlier statements.

When asked to identify a photograph of the alleged crime scene, the witness said she could not recognise it, although she claimed the office had no window.

The senior advocate further questioned her about statements she made at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, which she confirmed making on September 2, 2025. She also acknowledged making two separate statements at the Bariga Police Station on August 28, 2025.

The statements were tendered before the court and admitted as exhibits without objection from the prosecution.

The defence also questioned the complainant about the clothes she wore on the day of the alleged incident, asking whether she had earlier told the police she wore black trousers and a short-sleeved multicoloured shirt on August 28.

She explained that when she visited the medical centre on August 22, 2025, the doctor only conducted a swab test and prescribed medication without carrying out further examinations.

The witness stated that she reported the incident to Dr. Abu, who subsequently contacted her uncle, adding that she reached out to him because he was a lecturer in her department.

When asked whether she had any personal relationship with Dr. Abu, she replied in the negative.

Meanwhile, she had previous phone conversations with Dr Abu earlier on that day as revealed by the call log she provided to the police despite testifying that she had only called Dr Abu for the first time when she reported the incident.

When asked how she got Dr Abu’s phone number, she said that the number was provided in class to everyone

Justice Ogala subsequently adjourned the matter until May 25 for further proceedings.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command, says it has arrested 210 suspects for offences ranging from vandalism to fraud and illegal mining in the last one and half years.

The State Commandant, Mrs Remilekun Ekundayo, disclosed this during a familiarisation visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun Council in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Ekundayo also stated that the command had recovered over N23 million in fraud-related cases for victims.

She noted that over 1,700 disputes were resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms during the period under review.

The state commandant stated that the command had continued to embark on intelligence-driven operations that had prevented several criminal activities, protection of pipelines, railway corridors, and power installations across the state.

She noted that the achievements underscored the command’s commitment, while also reminding that security remained a shared responsibility.

She called for stronger collaboration with the media to enhance security and public awareness in the state.

Ekundayo said that the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the corps and the media, which he described as a critical partner in the security architecture of the state.

She reiterated that journalists played a vital role beyond reporting by shaping public perception, influencing attitudes and serving as a bridge between government institutions and the people.

“In matters of security, your role becomes even more strategic and impactful.

“NSCDC is statutorily empowered to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, prevent vandalism and economic sabotage, and support disaster management and emergency response,” she said.

In his remarks, the State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Wale Olanrewaju, assured the commandant of the council’s support and would continue to partner through accuracy and prompt reporting of security issues.

The Ogun State Police Command has officially launched Gateway Shield, a digital policing platform designed to modernize security services and simplify how residents report crimes.

The initiative was unveiled by the outgoing Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, during his farewell ceremony in Abeokuta as he transitions to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG).

Ogunlowo, who led the command from 2024 to 2026, explained that the platform allows members of the public to make reports anonymously from any location.

Residents can access these services by downloading the “Gateway Shield” app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, visiting www.thegatewayshield.com, or calling the toll-free line at 0800 000 9111.

The outgoing Commissioner emphasized his personal commitment to the app’s success, assuring the public that the system will remain functional and effective after his departure.

Despite these technological advancements, Ogunlowo expressed serious concern regarding the state’s changing security landscape.

He noted that criminal elements and bandits are increasingly exploiting the dense forests in the Ijebu axis as hideouts for kidnapping and other illicit activities.

This shift is reportedly a result of intensified security operations in other parts of Nigeria, which have forced displaced criminals to seek refuge in Ogun State’s forested terrains.

To combat this “new dimension” of criminal tactics, the Command is strengthening its collaboration with neighboring states and security agencies to launch cross-border operations.

Ogunlowo maintained that the police are working tirelessly to dislodge these elements from their operational bases.

Reflecting on his tenure, the police boss attributed the command’s successes to the unwavering support of Governor Dapo Abiodun, traditional rulers, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).

He concluded by praising the public for their cooperation, stating that the people are the ultimate “boss” of the police service and that his administration prioritized being accessible and responsive to their needs.