EBEN ENASCO REPORTING.
The Management of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, has delivered its first response over the alleged rape and detention of a 400-level female undergraduate of the Institution.
Their preliminary investigation conducted by the University Authority is a prelude to a video circulated on Wednesday, displaying the suspected senior Lecturer of the department of English and Literature Dr. Bode Steve Ekundayo, begging the victim for forgiveness.
A development that drew wide outrage across members of the society and a call for prosecution of the suspect.
However, in a statement released and made available to newsmen on Thursday, by the institutions’ Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, disclosed that, a security report of preliminary investigation has been conducted and submitted
to the management.
The Statement further availed that,
Considering the gravity of the allegations and legal issues involved, the matter has been referred to the police for further investigation.
Dr Ehanire in the statement maintained that, the recent decisions of the management is in line with internal mechanisms as contained in the Regulations Governing the Service of Senior Staff of the University, of 2017.
While stating that, the Management is, however, not oblivious of its responsibility of ensuring proper conduct by both staff and students of the University, Dr Benedicta Ehanire noted that, accordingly, the authority had directed that the lecturer, Dr. Bode Steve Ekundayo, be issued with a query and placed on interdiction pending the conclusion of investigations by the Police.
She said, the Management is assuring the staff, students, parents and other relevant stakeholders that, investigations will be pursued to its logical conclusion to ensure that justice is served.
Recall that, Dr Bode Steve Ekundayo a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English and Literature, University of Benin, was accused of raping a 400-level female undergraduate of the Institution who had gone to submit her project.
Dr Ekundayo could face legal consequences and a further period of jail terms, if found to have Sexually abused the female undergraduate.