Police arrest five, including community leader, over Delta ‘Raping Festival’

The Delta State Police Command has arrested five persons, including a community head and chief organiser of the Ozoro festival, in connection with the alleged sexual assault of women during the controversial annual event in Delta State.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development on Friday, identifying the community leader as Omorede Sunday, alongside four other suspects from Oramudu quarters in Ozoro.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further probing.

“The community head and chief organiser of the event, Chief Omorede Sunday, and four others have been arrested. The CP has directed that they be transferred to the State CID with immediate effect. Anyone found culpable will be brought to justice,” Edafe stated.

The arrests follow widespread outrage triggered by viral videos showing groups of young men allegedly attacking women during the festival, forcefully tearing their clothes and subjecting them to various forms of harassment.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, March 19, during the annual celebration in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, where women are said to be traditionally expected to remain indoors, with those found outside allegedly becoming targets for abuse.

The police had earlier ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident, vowing to ensure accountability and justice for victims.

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