In a shocking case that has sent ripples through the community, a hotelier identified as Macdonald, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Leuven Empire Hotel and Suites in Ejigbo, Lagos, has been arrested and paraded by the Zone 2 Police Command. He is accused of sodomizing a 16-year-old secondary school student and allegedly engaging in similar acts with four other teenagers.
The suspect, who denied using the boy for rituals, admitted to having sexual relations with him twice. The case has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of minors in the community.
The Victim’s Account
The 16-year-old victim, whose identity has been withheld, is the son of Edozie Christian, a spare parts dealer at Ladipo Market. According to the boy’s father, Macdonald lured his son and four other teenagers to his hotel, where he allegedly sodomized them. The suspect reportedly warned the boys that they would die if they revealed the incident to anyone.
The boy’s father reported the matter to the police, leading to Macdonald’s arrest. In a video shared by TVC News, the hotelier swore that he did not use the boy for rituals but admitted to having sex with him.
“I swear with my life, it is only sex that I had with him (Chiagoziem), that I never used him for any ritual. I swear in the name of my late parents that are in the grave, I swear with my children that I never did anything ritual; it was just sex,” Macdonald said.
Police Investigation and Findings
The Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos State paraded Macdonald before newsmen at the command headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, on Wednesday. According to the Zonal Public Relations Officer, CSP Umma Ayuba, the suspect allegedly committed an act “against the order of nature.”
The case came to light after the victim’s father submitted a petition dated January 23 to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade. The petition alleged that Macdonald engaged in unlawful sexual acts with the minor.
CSP Ayuba revealed that the victim, initially fearful of speaking out due to threats from the suspect, eventually confided in his mother. He recounted how Macdonald had taken him from the hotel to his residence at No. 4B, Oshoba Street, Akowonjo-Egbeda, Lagos, where he was allegedly subjected to forceful sexual acts.
Following the incident, the suspect reportedly gave the victim a bottle of Lucozade Boost and N5,000 in cash. The victim’s parents reported the matter to the Isheri-Osun Police Division, and investigations were initiated.
Attempts to Evade Justice
CSP Ayuba disclosed that Macdonald refused to honor police invitations and attempted to manipulate the investigation process. This prompted the victim’s father to escalate the matter to the Zone 2 Command Headquarters, where the hotelier was eventually apprehended.
To verify the claims, the victim underwent a medical examination at Mirabel Medical Centre. A key witness, a close friend of the victim who was present at the hotel during the incident, corroborated the allegations. The witness confirmed that Macdonald had been engaging in unlawful acts with the victim and had attempted a similar act with him, which he resisted.
The witness also provided recorded telephone conversations, chat histories, and video evidence filmed by the victim within the suspect’s residence using Macdonald’s phone.
Unprofessional Conduct by Investigating Officer
The investigation also exposed unprofessional conduct by the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who allegedly tampered with the case file by removing a crucial witness statement before transferring the case to the Zone 2 Command Headquarters. The IPO has been detained and is undergoing disciplinary procedures.
CSP Ayuba emphasized that the medical report from Mirabel Medical Centre remains authentic and has not been tampered with.
Broader Implications and Additional Victims
Macdonald is also accused of luring five additional teenagers to his hotel, where he allegedly subjected them to similar acts. He reportedly intimidated the victims, threatening them with death if they dared to expose the incidents.
The case has highlighted the vulnerability of minors and the need for parents and guardians to remain vigilant. AIG Fayoade urged parents to provide guidance to their children and protect them from harmful influences.
Next Steps
The victim is currently undergoing medical treatment, and once the investigation is complete, Macdonald will face formal charges in court. The case has drawn significant attention, with many calling for justice and stricter measures to protect minors from sexual predators.
Final Thoughts
This disturbing case underscores the importance of community vigilance and the need for robust systems to protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served and that such incidents are prevented in the future.
Parents and guardians are reminded to maintain open communication with their children, educate them about personal safety, and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities. The arrest of Macdonald serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk in unsuspecting places and the collective responsibility to safeguard the well-being of young people.
