April 16, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
A 20-year-old student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has given a harrowing testimony before a Lagos State High Court, alleging that her report of rape against a lecturer was dismissed by her Head of Department (HOD), who allegedly advised her to “let it go.”
The emotional testimony was delivered on Wednesday before Justice Oyindamola Ogala at the Ikeja division, where the student appeared as the first prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of a lecturer, Samuel Obinna Ojogbo.
The Lagos State Government is prosecuting the 53-year-old academic on a two-count charge of alleged rape and sexual assault.
Alleged Incident in Lecturer’s Office
According to the student, the incident occurred on August 22, 2025, after she was invited to the lecturer’s office following an examination at the university’s Akoka campus.
She told the court that after entering the office, the lecturer allegedly sent away other students and instructed her to close the door.
“As I went to close it, he stood behind me, pushed me to the couch, touched me, and forced himself on me,” she said, recounting the alleged assault.
The student further claimed that after the incident, the lecturer made promises regarding her academic future, including supervising her final-year project.
Immediate Report, Alleged Dismissal
The witness said she left the office in distress and immediately reported the incident to a friend before escalating it within the department.
However, when the matter was taken to the HOD, she alleged that her complaint was not taken seriously.
“He asked for evidence and why I didn’t record it with my phone,” she told the court. “He then said my uncle and I should just let it go and be more careful next time.”
The HOD also reportedly invited the accused lecturer, who denied the allegation.
Despite the discouraging response, the student’s uncle insisted on pursuing the case further.
Case Escalated to Authorities
The matter was subsequently reported to the university’s Servicom office and later escalated beyond the campus.
The student said she underwent medical examinations and reported the case to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, which referred her to the police.
Investigations were later handled by the Gender Unit of the police after initial reporting at Bariga Police Station.
She also told the court that there were attempts by the defendant’s associates to settle the matter out of court.
Trial Continues
Following her testimony, Justice Ogala adjourned the case to April 27, 2026, for cross-examination.
The case has sparked renewed conversations about sexual harassment in tertiary institutions and the handling of such complaints within academic environments.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to follow developments in this high-profile case.
