McDonald Okpara, CEO of Lagos’ Leuven Empire Hotel, has confessed to sexually assaulting a 16-year-old secondary school student.
Operatives from the Zone 2 Police Command arrested Okpara following allegations of sodomy involving two teenage boys, sparking widespread outrage.
The case has reignited concerns about child safety and exploitation in Nigeria.
The incident came to light after the mother of one victim reported the crime to the Isheri-Osun Police Division.
Authorities swiftly launched an investigation, leading to Okpara’s detention.
During interrogation, Okpara admitted in a leaked video to engaging in anal sex with the minor but vehemently denied involvement in rituals or money laundering.
“I swear with my life—only sex occurred. No shrines, no rituals,” he declared, invoking his late parents and children to bolster his claims.
When pressed for details, Okpara confirmed the assault occurred at his private residence, not the Ejigbo-based hotel he manages.
This distinction has raised questions about potential abuse of power and access to minors.
Meanwhile, police are probing whether additional victims exist or if accomplices facilitated the crimes.
The leaked interrogation footage, showing Okpara in handcuffs while being questioned, has gone viral, triggering calls for justice.
Child rights advocates, including the Lagos-based Cece Yara Foundation, condemned the act, urging stricter enforcement of child protection laws.
“This case exemplifies systemic failures in safeguarding minors,” said a spokesperson. “Perpetrators must face maximum penalties.”
Public reactions have been fierce, with social media users demanding #JusticeForTheBoys and accountability for institutions enabling such abuses.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has pledged support for the victims’ families, offering counseling and legal aid.
This incident underscores Nigeria’s persistent struggles with child exploitation.
Recent data from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reveals over 3,000 reported child abuse cases in 2023 alone, highlighting urgent gaps in prevention and prosecution.
As investigations continue, activists urge reforms, including mandatory background checks for hospitality workers and harsher sentencing for offenders.
For now, Okpara remains in custody, awaiting arraignment, while authorities work to ensure the victims receive justice and protection.