The management of the University of Benin, Edo state says it has issued a query to the lecturer who allegedly raped a student in his office as well as referred the case to the Nigerian Police Force.
Dr Bode Steve Ekundayo, a lecturer of the Department of English and Literature, was accused of raping a 400 level student of the same department when she visited to register her final year project.
The lecturer also allegedly locked the victim in his office for hours before she was rescued by a friend, who received a text message from her.
The victim was later rushed to the school’s medical centre, while the accused was arrested by the school’s security guards.
Against the development, the school authority said it has handed the case over to the police for further investigations.
A statement signed by the University spokesperson, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, said the case has been transferred to the police and the accused lecturer has been issued a query and placed on interdiction pending the outcome of investigations by the Police.
Ehanire noted that these procedures are in line with the directives contained in the Regulations Governing the Service of Senior Staff of the institution.
According to the statement, “A security report of a preliminary investigation into alleged rape and detention of a 400 Level female student of the Department of English and Literature, University of Benin, by a lecturer in the department has been submitted to the management of the university.
“Considering the gravity of the allegations and legal issues involved, the matter has been referred to the Police for further investigation.
“Management is, however, not oblivious of its responsibility of ensuring proper conduct by both staff and students of the university.
“Accordingly, management has directed that the lecturer, Dr Bode Steve Ekundayo, be issued a query and placed on interdiction pending the conclusion of investigations by the Police.
“These are in line with internal mechanisms as contained in the Regulations Governing the Service of Senior Staff of the University, 2017.
“Management assures staff, students, parents and other stakeholders that investigations will be pursued to its logical conclusion to ensure that justice is served.”
