In a case that has sent shockwaves across Lagos and beyond, the managing director and chief executive officer of a prominent Lagos hotel, Opara Macdonald, has been paraded by police officers at the Zonal Command Headquarters in Onikan over allegations of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy. The incident, which has sparked outrage and calls for justice, highlights the vulnerability of minors and the lengths to which predators may go to silence their victims.
According to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Ayuba Umma, the suspect was arrested following a petition submitted by the victim’s father, Edozie Christian, on January 23, 2025. The petition alleged that Macdonald, who operates Leuven Empire Hotel and Suites in Ejigbo, Lagos, had taken the minor to his residence in Egbeda, where he performed anal sex on him, gave him N5,000, and warned him not to disclose the incident to anyone, including his parents.
The victim, initially paralyzed by fear, eventually confided in his mother after persistent questioning. He revealed that Macdonald had threatened him with psychological harm, claiming that speaking out would lead to him losing his sanity. Reassured by his mother, the teenager recounted how the suspect had lured him from the hotel to his home, where the alleged assault took place. Following the incident, Macdonald reportedly gave the boy a bottle of Lucozade and N5,000 in an attempt to buy his silence.
The case took a dramatic turn when the victim’s parents reported the matter to the Isheri-Osun Police Division. However, instead of cooperating with investigators, Macdonald allegedly refused to respond to police invitations and attempted to manipulate the process. His efforts to evade justice led to the case being escalated to the Zone 2 Command Headquarters, where he was eventually apprehended.
Investigations revealed even more disturbing details. A close friend of the victim, who was present at the hotel on the day of the incident, corroborated the allegations, stating that Macdonald had also attempted to assault him but was resisted. The friend provided recorded telephone conversations, chat histories, and video evidence filmed by the victim within the suspect’s residence using Macdonald’s phone.
Initially denying any knowledge of the victim, Macdonald eventually admitted to taking the boy to his residence when confronted with overwhelming evidence. Medical examinations conducted at Mirabel Medical Centre further substantiated the claims, confirming that the victim had been subjected to unlawful sexual acts.
The case has also exposed unprofessional conduct within the police force. The initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO) was found to have removed a key witness’s statement from the case file before transferring it to the Zone 2 Command Headquarters. The IPO has since been detained and is facing disciplinary action.
As the victim continues to receive medical care, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Command, has urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children’s activities. The suspect is expected to be formally charged in court upon the completion of investigations.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting minors from predatory behavior and the need for swift, transparent justice. It also underscores the critical role of community vigilance and the courage of victims and their families in speaking out against such heinous acts.
Stay Informed with the Latest News from Nigeria and Beyond!
Join us on WhatsApp or Telegram for real-time updates. Have a report or article? Send it to report@trendingnaijanews.com. Follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more updates.