Police on arrest spree in Delta community over viral sex assault video

Following the outrage which greeted a sex assault video which emanated from Ozoro Festival, the Delta State Police Command has arrested a community head and four other suspects, while on the hunt for others. A sex assault of young women during a festival in Oruamudhu community in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state had earlier gone viral on the internet.

In a statement on Friday, the Command’s spokesman, Bright Edafe, disclosed that the Delta Police Commissioner, Aina Adesola, had ordered the transfer of the suspects to the state criminal investigation department (CID).

“The community head and chief organiser of the event, one Chief Omorede Sunday, and four other suspects from Oramudu quarters in Ozoro have been arrested.

“The CP has ordered that they should be transferred to State CID with immediate effect. The CP vows that anyone involved will be arrested and brought to justice,” Edafe said.

The Command’s spokesman further noted that both tactical and investigative assets had been duly deployed with a clear mandate to identify, apprehend, and ensure the prosecution of all individuals found culpable.

He called on Delta residents, particularly victims and witnesses, to come forward with any information that would aid ongoing investigations.

Edafe gave the assurance that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality and the highest level of professionalism.

“The Commissioner of Police further appeals to residents of the State to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, while assuring that the Command remains fully committed to protecting lives, safeguarding the rights of all citizens, and maintaining public order.

Multiple videos had emerged on social media showing men allegedly ripping apart the clothes of young women.

A young lady could be seen crying in one of the clips, and clutching her torn clothing as some young men sexually harassed her.

Edafe, said one Omorede Sunday, the community head, was arrested.

“The Delta State Government strongly condemns the harassment of ladies and the reported cases of rape during the Ozoro Festival. Such barbaric acts are totally unacceptable and have no place in our society,” the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said in a statement on Friday.

Meanwhile the Federal Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of alleged sexual assault linked to a local festival in Ozoro community, Delta State.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, gave the directive in a statement signed by the ministry’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Ahmed Danbazau on Friday in Abuja.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed deep concern over reports that women were subjected to sexual assault and harassment during activities in Isoko North Local Government Area.

While commending the swift response of the Police Command in Delta, she called for “a transparent, thorough, and accelerated investigation to ensure that all persons implicated are identified and brought to justice without delay.”

She described the incidents as disturbing, unacceptable and contrary to human dignity, public safety and the rule of law, noting that the Constitution and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) provide clear protections against such offences.

“No cultural or traditional practice can justify or excuse sexual violence in any form.

“Sexual assault is a serious criminal offence, and all allegations must be thoroughly investigated, with perpetrators held fully accountable under the law,” she said.

According to the minister, sexual assault remains a serious criminal offence that must be thoroughly investigated, with all perpetrators brought to justice.

She, therefore, reaffirmed government commitment to prioritise the safety, dignity and protection of women and girls.

The minister said they would strengthen collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs to provide immediate support for victims, including psychosocial care, medical attention and legal assistance.

She added that efforts would be intensified to engage traditional leaders and community stakeholders to address harmful norms and prevent a recurrence.

The ministry further urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to ensure justice is served and future incidents are prevented from reoccurring.