Man Remanded Over Alleged Rape of Model and Friend in Fake Job Scam
A 23-year-old man, Abidemi Emmanuel, has been remanded in a correctional facility following serious accusations that he raped a model known as Fems Thrift and her friend after luring them with a fake modeling job offer. The case has drawn significant public attention and is being handled by the Lagos State Police Command's Gender Unit.
Court Proceedings and Police Statement
Emmanuel was arraigned on Tuesday, February 17, before a magistrate's court in Lagos State, and the case has been adjourned to March 19, 2026, for further hearing. The Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that the suspect was remanded after his arraignment and that investigations are ongoing. She stated, "The suspect has been arraigned and remanded in a correctional facility. The case has been adjourned till March 19, 2026. Investigation is still ongoing." This statement was made to Punch on Thursday, February 19, highlighting the police's commitment to addressing the crime.
Details of the Alleged Incident
Recall that Fems Thrift cried out on February 11, detailing how a man contacted her on Instagram, claiming to have relocated from the United Kingdom to launch an international fashion brand in Nigeria. He offered her N140,000 for a modeling gig and asked her to promote the brand using her social media influence. For safety reasons, she went with a friend to the address in Ajao Estate, only to find it was a residential apartment that was empty. When she questioned this, Emmanuel allegedly told her he rented the place for the shoot and that the makeup artist had stepped out briefly.
However, as she prepared for the shoot, Fems claimed that Emmanuel produced a knife, threatened them, tied them up with socks, and then raped them. She also alleged that he seized their phones, transferred intimate photos and videos to himself via AirDrop, and threatened to release the materials online if they spoke out. This account underscores the predatory nature of the crime and the use of digital threats to silence the victims.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
The police arrested Emmanuel on February 14, 2026, following a public outcry after Fems shared her story. The case is being managed by the Command's Gender Unit, which specializes in handling gender-based violence cases. This arrest reflects the authorities' responsiveness to public concerns and their efforts to ensure justice for the victims. The ongoing investigation aims to gather all necessary evidence to support the prosecution in court.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online scams and the importance of vigilance when engaging with strangers for job opportunities. It also highlights the critical role of law enforcement in protecting citizens and pursuing justice in cases of sexual violence.
