The Lagos State Police Command has detained Abisola Onigbogi, an Executive Director at ARM Pension Managers (PFA) Limited, in connection with serious allegations of sexual assault made by a colleague, Ogochukwu Odogwu (formerly Temitayo-Omotere).
Odogwu, 36, who works as an HR Business Partner at ARM Pension, has reported that she was sexually assaulted by Onigbogi on the night of July 18, 2024, after an office party hosted by the company.
According to Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin, Onigbogi is in custody, and the case has been referred to the Gender Desk of the Lagos State Police Command.
Odogwu claims that after the party, she was abducted and raped at Limeridge Hotel on Chevron Drive, Lagos, following the alleged spiking of her drink. She described consuming a small amount of Jameson whiskey mixed with Coke and a cocktail during the event. Her last memory of the evening was around 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm; she experienced a blackout and woke up undressed in a hotel room around 3:00 am. Odogwu reported that she felt sore and violated, and she was unable to remember how she arrived at the hotel.
In a detailed account, Odogwu stated that she had left her drink unattended while coordinating the event. She believes her drink might have been tampered with by Onigbogi or someone else. She was reportedly offered a ride home by Onigbogi, who lived in the same area. However, she lost complete memory of the evening after her last recollection and found herself in the hotel room with no recollection of events leading up to that point. CCTV footage from the hotel showed Onigbogi guiding Odogwu into the hotel and being present in the room for approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
ARM Pension Managers (PFA) Limited has placed Onigbogi on administrative leave and expressed their commitment to handling the situation with seriousness and sensitivity.
The company stated, “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.”
They also pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and have provided support services to Odogwu, including counseling.
Odogwu has undergone an rape kit test at Island Maternity Hospital and made a formal report at the Ikoyi Police Station. She has also notified her HR department and senior executives at ARM Pension. She has requested time off work due to the significant impact on her mental and physical well-being and expressed concerns about Onigbogi potentially being a serial offender.
Odogwu is calling for a thorough investigation and legal action against Onigbogi and any accomplices, emphasising the need for justice and support for victims of sexual assault.
This case highlights the urgent need for vigilance and proper response mechanisms to address sexual assault and harassment within organisations and society.
