NYSC Member Arrested for Alleged Rape of Osun State University Student Sparks Outrage
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
A shocking incident involving a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member has rocked Osun State, as allegations of rape surface against Soji Ezekiel, currently serving his one-year mandatory youth service.
The accused, Soji Ezekiel, was taken into custody by the Osun State Police following accusations of sexual assault leveled against him by a female undergraduate of Osun State University, Osogbo. The victim's identity remains undisclosed for legal reasons.
Reports indicate that the incident transpired at Soji's residence located behind Nawarudeen Primary School in the Oke-Baale area of Osogbo Local Government Area. Allegedly, the victim visited Soji's room to charge her phone amidst a power outage in the vicinity. However, what began as a routine task turned into a horrifying ordeal for the victim.
Accompanied by a friend, the victim entered Soji's apartment on the night of Friday, February 16, 2024. As the friend departed shortly after plugging her phone, leaving the victim alone with Soji, the situation took a sinister turn. It is alleged that Soji, also known as "SOJ," took advantage of the power outage to perpetrate the assault.
The victim's distress drew the attention of her friend upon her return, only to find her allegedly being assaulted by Soji. According to accounts, the victim was subjected to sexual assault against her will, with Soji reportedly threatening violence if she resisted.
Despite efforts by concerned neighbors to intervene and rescue the victim, Soji purportedly refused to open the door to his apartment. It wasn't until the intervention of a vigilante officer, who discharged a firearm to gain entry, that the victim was freed in the early hours of Saturday, February 17.
Law enforcement officers promptly arrived at the scene and took Soji into custody. The matter was brought to the attention of human rights activist Citizen Lola Wey, who has vowed to support the victim in seeking justice.
"The victim has been taken to the hospital for necessary medical examination and treatment. The police have made an arrest, and while there are reports of bail being granted to the suspect, we remain committed to ensuring justice for the traumatized victim," stated Wey.
When contacted for comment, Soji declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department.
"The case is already with the State CID, and we are cooperating with their inquiries. I don't have anything further to add until we are in consultation with the police. They are handling the matter," Soji stated.
As the investigation unfolds, the Osun State Police Command has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. However, the community remains in shock, with calls for justice echoing amidst concerns over the safety and well-being of individuals, particularly women, in the area.
