A police constable in Benue State has been sacked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in his custody. Belasa Iyangedue, who was attached to the Tse Agbaragba Divisional Police Station in Konshisha Local Government Area, was accused of raping the victim on September 30, 2023.
The victim, a 16-year-old girl, was in detention at the time of the incident. According to reports, Constable Iyangedue took the girl out of her cell and into an office where he committed the crime.
Following her release, the victim reported the incident which led to the arrest of Constable Iyangedue. The Benue State Police Command has since confirmed that Iyangedue has been dismissed from service and is currently facing prosecution.
The incident has sparked outrage among local communities and human rights organizations, who are calling for a thorough investigation and strict punishment for the offender. The case is a stark reminder of the need for law enforcement agencies to uphold the highest standards of conduct and respect for human rights.
This incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within law enforcement agencies to prevent such incidents in future. It also highlights the importance of providing safe spaces for victims to report such crimes and ensuring swift justice.
The Benue State Police Command has assured that it is committed to maintaining law and order, and ensuring that all its officers adhere strictly to professional ethics and respect for human rights. The Command also urged members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by providing useful information that would help in fighting crime in the state.