AAU Probes Lecturer Over Alleged Rape of Teenage Food Vendor

Ambrose Alli University has issued a 48-hour query to a mathematics lecturer, Mr. Okoromi Abhasebhor, over allegations that he raped a 16-year-old food vendor on campus, prompting calls from the National Association of Nigerian Students for his immediate suspension.

The management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has issued a formal query to Mr. Okoromi Abhasebhor, a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, following serious allegations that he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old food vendor on campus.

The action was confirmed in an official memo signed by the institution’s Acting Registrar, Emphraim Ikharehon Isiraojie. The letter, dated July 9, 2025, was titled “Re: Security Report on an Alleged Case of Rape Against Mr. Okoromi Abhasebhor” and gave the lecturer 48 hours to respond in writing.

According to the university’s internal security report, the alleged incident occurred on July 7, 2025, at the Faculty of Physical Sciences. The victim, identified as Vera Sunday, is said to have been lured into the lecturer’s office, where the alleged rape took place.

The report further claims that after the act, Mr. Abhasebhor offered the girl bundles of cash in an attempt to silence her. However, she rejected the bribe and reported the matter to her aunt. The case was then escalated to campus security.

Medical evidence was reportedly obtained from the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, where the victim was taken for examination. The medical report allegedly confirmed signs of forceful penetration.

Quoting the content of the query, the Acting Registrar wrote:

“The university management is in receipt of a security report of an alleged case of rape against you involving one Vera Sunday, a food vendor in the Faculty of Physical Sciences.

It was further alleged that you attempted to bribe the victim with money and asked her not to disclose the incident.

You are hereby requested to explain, within 48 hours and through your Head of Department and Dean, why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for gross misconduct.”

Copies of the query were distributed to senior university officials, including the Acting Vice Chancellor, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, the Deputy Registrar (Personnel), the Acting Director of Legal Services, the Head of Public Relations, and the Chief Security Officer.

In reaction to the report, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), through its Edo State Joint Campus Committee (JCC), demanded the immediate suspension of the accused lecturer pending the outcome of investigations.

Ojumoola Miracle Timileyin, Chairman of NANS JCC Edo, issued a statement condemning the incident. The letter, which was also copied to the Edo State Government, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and NANS National Headquarters, emphasized the need for swift and transparent disciplinary measures.

Timileyin further alleged that the assault occurred during office hours and reiterated that the victim was only 16 years old. He stressed that allowing the lecturer to remain in his role while under investigation could compromise both the victim’s safety and the integrity of the investigation.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, BUSINESS DAY