The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 16 suspects in connection with the controversial Alue-Do festival held in Ozoro, stating that no official rape case has been reported so far.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he addressed widespread allegations that the event was a “rape festival.”
According to Edafe, none of the individuals interviewed by the police has reported being raped.
“It is important to state clearly that among the four girls that were interviewed yesterday, no one, not one of them, said they were raped. Up till this very moment, we have not had any official reports that anybody was raped,” he said.
He explained that while disturbing videos from the event have sparked public outrage, investigations are being guided strictly by available evidence and witness testimonies.
“The law does not work on emotions; it works on evidence. For now, what we are investigating is sexual assault, as there is no direct testimony or evidence of rape,” Edafe added.
The police spokesman revealed that the arrests began with the chief priest, who is also regarded as the head of the community, alongside four others. Following further analysis of video footage from the event, additional suspects were identified and apprehended.
“After the initial arrests, more individuals were identified through video analysis, bringing the total number of suspects currently in custody to 16. They have been transferred to the State Command Headquarters and the State CID for further investigation,” he said.
Edafe noted that the police visited Ozoro and nearby communities, where they met with four victims affected by the incident. He assured that the Delta State Government has pledged to support the victims by covering medical expenses, compensating for lost property, and providing psychological care.
He also criticised the organisers of the festival for failing to follow due process, noting that key authorities were not informed ahead of the event.
“The traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom was not informed, the students’ union was not informed, and the school management was not informed. The police were also not notified. This negligence contributed to the situation we are dealing with,” he said.
The police maintained that the Alue-Do festival is traditionally a fertility rite intended to pray for women seeking children, and not an event designed to promote any form of sexual violence.
However, the festival has drawn nationwide condemnation after viral videos showed groups of men harassing and assaulting women in broad daylight. Community leaders have since claimed that hoodlums hijacked the gathering to perpetrate criminal acts.
In response, the Delta State Government has banned the festival, stressing that cultural practices must not be used as a cover for criminal behaviour.
The Ozoro Kingdom Palace has also distanced itself from the incident, condemning acts of violence, harassment, and intimidation against women. The palace described such actions as unacceptable and contrary to the values of the kingdom, while warning against misinformation suggesting that the acts were culturally sanctioned.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.