The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault and public harassment of women during the recent Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of the state.
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Police Public Relations Officer DSP Bright Edafe disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, March 21, 2026, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to 15.
According to the statement, the arrests followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, who ordered a thorough investigation into the viral video showing young men chasing, stripping, groping, sexually assaulting, and publicly humiliating women in broad daylight while others watched, recorded, and cheered.
“Acting on this directive, operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence; this led to the arrest of 11 additional suspects: Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others,” DSP Edafe said.
The Command emphasised that preliminary findings indicate the acts were perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the festival to commit sexual violence acts that are “in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.”
CP Aina Adesola condemned the incident in the strongest terms: “The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
The police urged victims, witnesses, and members of the public with credible information to come forward, assuring strict confidentiality and protection.
The Command had on Friday announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects. The Delta State Government, through Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information Charles Aniagwu, described the incident as “barbaric and unacceptable” and stated such acts have no place in modern society.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had earlier described the viral footage as a “national disgrace” and “gender-based violence in its most primitive and shameful form,” calling for swift prosecution of all perpetrators and enablers.
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Ozoro Kingdom Leadership Reacts The leadership of Ozoro Kingdom, in a press statement signed by President General Odio (Chief) Berkley Asiafa and Secretary General Prince Obaro Egware, pushed back against what they called misinformation online. They explained that the Alue-Do Festival is a traditional cultural event linked to fertility rites, but admitted certain symbolic practices were misapplied by some youths.
The police investigation continues, with authorities vowing to leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for the victims and restoring public confidence.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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