Lekki Night Club Rape Case: 24 year-old Seek To Withdraw Case.

By a letter of withdrawal dated June 3, 2019 addressed to the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution signed by the complainant who is 24 years of age (name withheld) allegedly drugged at a  nightclub and gang-raped in a hotel at Lekki, Lagos, by two dropouts of Babcock University, wants the criminal suit filed against the defendants – Don-Chima and Olusegun, withdrawn.

The letter, which was read in court by Justice Abiola Soladoye, the complainant attributed her decision to seek the withdrawal of the case to “intervention of family members”  and for the sake of her integrity.

This withdrawal was vehemently opposed by the Directorate of Public Prosecution and lead state prosecutor.

His reasons being that they do not have a directive from the office of the Attorney-General. The Honourable AG being the complainant in this case and was not yet on seat due to the change in power.

“In every criminal matter, victims are naturally witnesses and as we speak, there is no AG in office due to the change in power. He argued.

Responding, defence counsel, Mr Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN), said while he shared the views of the prosecution that Lagos State originated the criminal suit, he disagreed that the absence of the AG had created a vacuum.

Justice Soladoye said that the court would continue with proceedings, and that bail would not be granted to the defendants as submitted by the defence council who claimed the letter of withdrawal by the complainant showed she had developed cold feet to continue with her trial.

Matter adjourned to 18th June, 2019for continuation of cross examination and directive from the AG.