The Delta State Police Command has provided clarification on the release of a Nollywood costumier, Prince Onyenwere, who was accused of raping a 10-year-old girl.
KanyiDaily had reported how Prince Onyenwere was allegedly caught abusing the girl on a movie set in January. He was handed over to the police after facing a physical assault for the purported act.
Onyenwere was subsequently released by the police, which prompted criticism on social media.
Bright Edafe, the Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, addressed the matter in a statement shared on his Instagram page.
Edafe explained that the release occurred because the mother of the victim complicated the case by informing the law enforcement agency that she and her family had forgiven the accused person.
The police spokesperson shared screenshots of text messages and an affidavit to support this claim.
He stressed that Onyenwere was granted “temporary bail,” with the expectation that the family would take appropriate action.
“I want members of the public to read how the mother of the victim compounded the entire case stating that she and her family has forgiven the suspect.
“She refused to show up with the victim. Attached are screenshots of text messages, and an affidavit.
“On the premise of that, charging the suspect was granted a temporary bail with the hope that the family will do the right thing,” he wrote.
KanyiDaily recalls that in 2022, popular actor Moses Armstrong was arrested by the police for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl about three years ago.