Rape Festival Scandal: 11 Suspects Arraigned In Delta As Police Reveal Missing Witnesses

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that 11 suspects arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assaults during a controversial festival in Oramudu Quarters, Ozoro, have been arraigned in court.

The incident, which occurred in March, sparked widespread public outrage after disturbing videos circulated online showing groups of men allegedly attacking women during the local festival.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed on Wednesday, October 28, that the suspects had been charged with an eight-count charge. However, he said the prosecution was facing a significant challenge because no alleged victim or witness had come forward to assist with the case.

Edafe also explained that the suspects were granted bail following their arraignment. Those who fulfilled their bail conditions were released, while those who failed to meet the requirements remained in custody.

The controversy erupted after reports emerged that some youths allegedly attacked women who were seen in public during the annual festival. Accounts of the incident indicated that men participating in the event chased women, tore their clothes and subjected some of them to alleged sexual assault. The videos circulated widely on social media, prompting condemnation and calls for the authorities to take action.

Following the public outcry, the Delta State Police Command announced the arrest of several suspects, although details of the investigation had remained limited until the latest update.

Edafe had previously clarified that, according to the account provided to the police, the event was a traditional festival organised by a chief priest to offer prayers for women seeking children, rather than a festival specifically organised to target women for assault. However, the allegations surrounding the incident generated widespread concern over the safety and treatment of women during the event.

Reacting to recent claims that young women were sexually assaulted during a similar festival in Ekpan, Edafe said he had not received any report of such an incident.

The court proceedings are expected to determine the allegations against the 11 suspects. The police spokesperson’s statement that no victims or witnesses had come forward highlights a major obstacle facing the prosecution, although the available information does not establish the reasons for their absence.