Lagos Police will prosecute rape cases with ease, CP Jimoh

By Deborah Akpede

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has said rape cases are among the easiest crimes to investigate and prosecute, provided they are reported promptly.

He made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday, adding that technological advancements have greatly aided the investigation and prosecution of rape and defilement cases.

He, however, noted that timely reporting was key to gathering evidence and securing convictions. “It is very easy to prove either a case of defilement or rape; it is very scientific and easy to prove.

“If a woman or girl is violated, she should report immediately. Prompt complaints make all the difference,” he said.

He stressed the importance of preserving the crime scene and seeking immediate medical and forensic examinations to strengthen the evidence in court. “The scene of the crime must be preserved, and medical and forensic examinations are critical,” he added.

The commissioner, however, lamented that fear of stigma often prevented survivors from speaking up, thus allowing perpetrators to remain free and continue harming others. “Survivours begin to suffer mental damage and health challenges when they see their violators roaming free,” he said.

He urged survivors not to be discouraged, saying: “Speak up. He said when cases are reported late, evidence gets destroyed, and the crime scene is compromised. “But with technology, we can crack the truth quickly,” he said.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to deterring potential offenders. “Let us put a stop to this jointly,” he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to leveraging technology in crime prevention and prosecution, particularly in tackling cybercrime and sexual and gender-based violence.

He highlighted how technological tools were playing a pivotal role in ensuring faster investigations, efficient arrests, and effective prosecution of criminal cases.
On the prosecution of rape and defilement cases, the police boss asserted that such cases were among the easiest to prove scientifically, “provided they are reported promptly.”

“It is very easy to prove either a case of defilement or rape, Jimoh asserted.
“But there must be prompt reporting, preservation of the crime scene, and immediate medical and forensic examination,” he added.

He encouraged survivours of sexual assault to speak up early and not be discouraged by fear of stigma, noting that delayed reporting often led to the destruction of evidence and tampering with crime scenes.

“When victims delay, it becomes more difficult to secure justice. But with technology, we can crack the veracity or otherwise of rape claims quickly,” he assured.
He disclosed that the command had installed surveillance cameras at strategic locations across the metropolis, with many upgraded to Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities.

“We are not lagging behind in terms of technology. We have three control centers operated by trained police personnel, and our cybercrime unit is fully functional,” he said.

He noted that the use of surveillance and digital tracking tools had significantly improved the command’s response time and led to the arrest of several cybercrime suspects. “Virtually every cybercrime arrest we have made is tied to our technology-enhanced strategies,” he added.

He addressed the rising threat of cultism beyond campuses, saying the command was taking the issue seriously.

“Cultism is no longer just about the unemployed. Gainfully employed individuals are also getting involved, which is deeply concerning. We are, however, fighting the menace head-on,” he said.

He reaffirmed the police readiness for collaboration, commending the media for its role, and pledged to continue working closely with stakeholders to enhance public safety. “Let us work together to stop all forms of crime and violence,” he urged.