OGOJA, Nigeria – In a shocking twist of events that has sent ripples through the Cross River State political scene, Patrick Uguge, a former legislator in the State House of Assembly, has been apprehended over an alleged sexual assault of his wife’s niece.
The incident reportedly transpired at a hotel in Ogoja on April 21, 2023, with the victim, a 19-year-old girl who resided with the suspect’s wife. Uguge represented the Ogoja State Constituency from 2007 to 2015, and his arrest over such a grave allegation has left many in a state of disbelief.
The State’s Commissioner of Police, Balarabe Sule, confirmed the detention of the ex-lawmaker, marking a dark moment for a man once held in high esteem within his constituency.
The case came to light through the tireless efforts of Human Rights lawyer, James Ibor, of the Basic Rights Council Initiative (BRCI). Ibor, while discussing the incident, lamented the escalating incidents of rape within the state.
In a heartfelt statement, Barrister Ibor said, “The victim alleged that the man violated her in a hotel at Ogoja. After receiving her complaint, we thoroughly investigated and verified her account. As a result, we submitted a petition to the Police, who then took the suspect into custody.”
He further elaborated on the severity of the issue, “Rape is a felony, and the frequency of sexual abuse cases in our state is a cause for serious concern. It is imperative that we protect the female gender from such predators. We have been in touch with the girl’s parents, who have tragically confirmed that their daughter was a virgin before this horrifying incident.”
As the news of Uguge’s arrest disseminates, it serves as a chilling reminder of the persistent fight against sexual violence, even in the highest echelons of society.
