Police in Lagos State have arrested a man suspected of sexually assaulting a minor after he was identified by his alleged victim on a school premises in Ojodu.
School Encounter Leads to Arrest
The suspect, whose identity remains unknown, was apprehended on Wednesday when a secondary school student recognized him as the man who had allegedly raped her two months earlier. The quick-thinking survivor immediately raised an alarm upon spotting the man within her school compound.
Angry residents quickly mobilized and captured the suspect, subsequently taking him to the Ojodu Division police station located at Grammar School Bus Stop along Ogunnusi Road.
Pattern of Predatory Behavior
According to local sources who spoke anonymously, the suspect was known in the area as a shoe repairer and had allegedly attempted to assault another student from the same school.
One resident detailed the initial assault: "The man came to the girl's house and asked her for water, claiming he was thirsty. When she went to fetch it, he forced his way inside and raped her. The girl kept this traumatic experience to herself, not even telling her parents. She documented the entire incident in her diary, and that's how the truth eventually emerged when someone discovered her writing."
The school principal only became aware of the situation on Wednesday when the suspect entered the school premises and the survivor identified him.
Additional Attempted Assault Revealed
Investigations uncovered that the same suspect had previously attempted to rape another student under different circumstances. The second potential victim reported that she had attended a church program and visited the restroom, assuming it was exclusively for females and therefore not locking the door.
"The suspect followed her into the facility, forced his way into the restroom and attempted to sexually assault her," the anonymous source explained. "Fortunately, she managed to fight him off and escape. Many residents recognize this individual as someone who frequently wanders the area, often behaving as if he's homeless. Some community members indicated he operates a shoe repair shop."
The timely identification and community response prevented what could have been another sexual assault on school grounds. The case highlights ongoing concerns about security in educational institutions and the importance of community vigilance in combating sexual violence.
