Case of UNIBEN lecturer accused of raping student in his office has been referred to the police

The management of the University of Benin says it has referred the case of the lecturer who allegedly raped a student to the Police.

Recall that Dr. Bode Steve Ekundayo, a lecturer of the Department of English and Literature, was accused of raping a 400 level student and locking her up in his office on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.

She was later rescued after she sent a text to a friend and was rushed to the school’s medical centre

UNIBEN’s spokesperson, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, said in a statement that the case has been referred to the police and the accused lecturer has been issued a query and placed on interdiction pending the conclusion of investigations by the Police.

Ehanire said a preliminary report on the issue has been submitted to the management of the university.

She said in a statement released today, October 7: “A security report of 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.”