Actress Stephanie Okereke-Linus
has reacted to the rape allegation levelled against her brother, Daniel
Okereke.
It would be recalled that the
young man was accused of raping a 300 level UNILAG female student, Arionla
severely.
According to the victim, the
suspect, Prince Daniel Okereke, 37, lured her into his home at Mende, Maryland,
Lagos, on November 6th, subdued her with the aid of his security guard before
pouncing on her and raping her severely.
Condemning the act, Stephanie
Okereke in a press statement said “While it is a very difficult time for me,
and my family; I feel the need to make clear my position, lest there be any
doubt. Rape is rape, regardless of who the face of the accused is.”
According to her, she has spent
her lifelong career advocating that women around the world should be able to live
free of violence, sexual harassment or any form of abuse against their persons.
“So, again, it is indeed heart breaking for me to receive and deal with news
alleging a family member of mine is an alleged perpetrator of sexual violence
against a woman. I am devastated. This case is now in Nigeria’s criminal
justice system as the accused awaits arraignment. I have also encouraged and
assured the alleged victim of my stance against rape and applaud her for her
bravery to upset the culture of silence, in Nigeria; even as I accord deference
and patiently wait for the criminal justice system to determine the guilt or
innocence of my brother.”
She further pleaded with the
Nigerian press and blogs to stop using her name and photos to sensationalize
the rape reports.
Her press release in full:
“I am distraught and devastated to hear of the recent allegation of
rape brought against a relative of mine, Daniel Okereke (my brother). While it
is a very difficult time for me, and my family; I feel the need to make clear
my position, lest there be any doubt. Rape is rape, regardless of who the face
of the accused is.
Indeed, the irony is not lost on me. I have spent my lifelong career
advocating and living my conviction that women around the world should be able
to live free of violence, sexual harassment or any form of abuse against their
persons. This conviction led me to be involved in numerous initiatives
combating violence against women in several countries including the U.S,
Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The conviction also led me to place much of my energy on my work with
Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF), a passion that dates back to my time at the
University of Calabar.
As a student, I heard a story about young girls who had been forced
into early marriage and were suffering the negative and embarrassing effects of
VVF. The story stayed in my consciousness and drove me, for years, to seek ways
to raise awareness on the condition; leading to my work with a team of
dedicated doctors to carry out repair surgeries for VVF victims across the
country; and my self-produced, soon to be released movie, ‘DRY.’
So, again, it is indeed heart breaking for me to receive and deal with
news alleging a family member of mine is an alleged perpetrator of sexual
violence against a woman. I am devastated.
This case is now in Nigeria’s criminal justice system as the accused
awaits arraignment. I have also encouraged and assured the alleged victim of my
stance against rape and applaud her for her bravery to upset the culture of
silence, in Nigeria; even as I accord deference and patiently wait for the
criminal justice system to determine the guilt or innocence of my brother.
For Nigerian press and blogs; I call on you to please report this case
in an ethical manner. I am a married woman living my life. The alleged
transgression of my relative does not make it mine. The focus should be the
impact of rape on the alleged victim, and resources for other alleged victims,
not me.
Some members of the press and blogs have turned me into the accuser;
using my name for sensational headlines and putting my images, exclusively, in
their stories. This is a form of victimization of me as a woman, it’s unethical
and extremely hurtful. I am not the alleged accused.
I therefore please ask all bloggers and the media who have placed my
pictures and name to this story to refrain from further using me to
sensationalise this story.
I thank my fans, and all well-wishers for your continued support and
ask for your continued prayers.
God bless.”
Say “NO” to RAPE and SEXUAL ABUSE
– Walk Against Rape Nigeria
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