The Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State has arrested two students of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) over the alleged rape of a 20-year-old female student.
In a statement, Ayanlade Olayinka, spokesperson of the state police command, said the suspects, including a 19-year-old female student identified as Queen Sodo, were arrested by operatives from the Akungba divisional headquarters.
Olayinka said the incident occurred after the victim visited her longtime friend at her residence.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the victim was invited to the residence of her long-time friend, Queen Sodo ‘f’, 19 years old, also a student of the same school,” the statement reads.
“Trusting in the longevity of their friendship, which began in secondary school and continued into university, the victim accepted a drink provided by her friend, which was later found to have been laced with drugs, causing her to lose consciousness.”
The police spokesperson said the female suspect allegedly left the room and invited a male accomplice while keeping watch as the assault was carried out.
According to Olayinka, the victim was rescued by a neighbour who heard unusual sounds from the room and discovered her unconscious and naked with the male suspect.
She said the victim was immediately taken for medical attention and later referred to a specialist hospital where she is currently receiving treatment.
“Both arrested suspects have confessed to their involvement and the specific roles they played in the crime, providing investigators with crucial information to aid in the prosecution of the case,” she said.
Olayinka added that investigators recovered several exhibits from the scene, including the bottle containing the suspected drug-laced drink, which will be sent for toxicology examination.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will be transferred to the gender desk office in Akure for further investigation and prosecution.
The spokesperson also said the state commissioner of police advised parents and guardians to educate their children on caution in relationships, warning that even longstanding friendships could be exploited for criminal purposes.
