The Lagos State Police Command has place an Executive Director at ARM Pension Managers Limited (name withheld) under arrest over allegations of sexual assault levelled against him by a colleague.
The female colleague (name also withheld) reported to the police that the incident occurred on the night of July 18, 2024, according to the Punch.
This was disclosed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin on Friday.
The said director at ARM Pension Managers is in our custody. His case has been referred to the Gender Desk, Lagos State Police Command,” Hundeyin said.
The victim stated that the attack occurred during an office party hosted by ARM Pension.
She alleged that she was kidnapped and sexually assaulted at a well-known hotel on Chevron Drive in Lagos.
According to her statement, the accused allegedly had “penetrative sexual intercourse” with her after her drink was “spiked.”
She recalled that she consumed a small amount of Jameson Whiskey mixed with Coke and one cocktail at the party.
In addition, she said that her last memory was around 7.30pm to 8pm, after which she experienced a blackout, only to wake up undressed in the hotel room around 3am.
“I checked the time, it was around 3am, and my private parts were sore and felt like someone had invaded me.
“I walked out of the room and looked around for a clue of the name of the hotel to even have a sense of where I was, I saw the name XYZ Hotel (name withheld). I googled it, and I found that it is on Chevron Drive. I asked the receptionist and security man to help me get a taxi so I could go home,” she said.
Meanwhile, the company in a statement on Wednesday addressed the assault allegation, stating that the accused executive had been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of an independent inquiry.
The statement read, “ARM Pension Managers (PFA) Ltd is aware of a serious allegation of assault involving our employees. We are deeply disturbed by this and are committed to addressing the situation with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with our colleague who has come forward. We want to express our deepest concern and support for her during this tough time. Sexual assault is a grave matter that has no place in our organisation and society at large, and we stand firmly against all forms of harassment or violence.
“This incident reportedly took place outside the office premises on the night of July 18, 2024, after an office team bonding event and involved two of our colleagues. We have initiated a thorough and independent investigation into the allegation, and we are fully cooperating with the law enforcement authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive and impartial.
“The accused employee, an executive in the company, has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation’s outcome. Additionally, we are offering support services to the complainant who has come forward, including counselling and any other resources she may need during this time.”
Furthermore, the statement reaffirmed the company’s dedication to fostering a courteous and safe work environment for all staff members, promised to assist with the inquiry, and ensuring openness at every stage of the investigation.
“We understand the gravity of this situation and the impact it has on all involved. Hence, we will handle this situation with the highest level of integrity and transparency,” it read.
Rape is a horrible crime that breaches a person’s humanity and dignity, leaving lasting wounds that persist long after the act itself.
