Raymond Dokpesi arrested on rape allegations in UK; case adjourned until April
Nigerian media businessman Raymond Dokpesi was arrested in London on Sunday night on rape allegations, according to UK police sources.
Mr Dokpesi, the owner of broadcaster AIT, was picked up at London Heathrow Airport as he touched down from a connecting flight via Frankfurt on Sunday evening.
A London police source said: “On Sunday, January 8, a 71-year-old man was arrested at Heathrow Airport over suspicion of rape. The arrest relates to an allegation of rape in August 2019.
“The man has been bailed, pending further enquiries, to a date in early April.
“Enquiries into the circumstances continue.”
Mr Dokpesi did not return a request for comments. His media group Daar Communications said in a broadcast announcing Mr Dokpesi’s release that he was arrested over a minor issue and was summarily released. The station was silent on the London police’s decision to trap Mr Dokpesi in the UK for the coming months.
The detention comes as Mr Dokpesi was preparing to meet Mr Abubakar in London in a gathering a party source told The Gazette was linked to strategies leading up to the presidential election next month. Mr Abubakar is standing in the election as the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate.
The development could effectively shut Mr Dokpesi out of an active role in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, which has been scheduled for February 25.
Another key PDP politician Ike Ekweremadu has been in detention in London since he was arrested in June 2022 on charges of organ trafficking. A trial was scheduled to open in the matter on January 31.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
