By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Tom Samuel, a student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, alongside a female accomplice, over the alleged rape of a fellow student.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, 21 November 2024, at Cele Street in Akungba, where the victim was said to have been drugged before the assault.
Medical confirmation came from the General Hospital in Iwaro-Oka, where the Medical Director, Dr Gbademosi O.B., stated that tests conducted on 22 November confirmed the rape. A video later surfaced showing the moment the victim’s friends entered the room and found Samuel with the unconscious student.
Police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday. He added that the Commissioner of Police had directed that the matter be moved to the Gender Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for proper investigation.
“The Ondo State Police Command has successfully arrested two students of Adekunle Ajasin University in connection with a conspiracy and rape case involving a 20-year-old female student of the same institution,” Olushola stated.
Preliminary enquiries showed that the victim had gone to visit her long-time friend, Queen Sodo, also a student at the university. Trusting their relationship, she accepted a drink offered to her, not knowing it had been laced. She reportedly passed out shortly afterwards.
Further reports indicated that once the victim was unconscious, Sodo allegedly called her male accomplice to the room and stayed present while the act was carried out.
A neighbour, disturbed by unusual sounds coming from the area, stepped in and met the victim in a compromised position with Samuel. She was immediately taken for medical attention and later referred to a specialist hospital for more care.
According to the police, both suspects confessed to their involvement and explained their respective roles. Officers also recovered items from the scene, including the drugged drink, which has been sent for toxicology tests.
The suspects remain in police custody and will be transferred to the Gender Desk Office in Akure as investigations continue.
The Ondo State Police Command assured members of the public that justice will be pursued, emphasising that no offender will be spared regardless of their relationship with the victim.