‘I didn’t use him for ritual, I only had sex’ Lagos based Hotelier confesses

“I swear with my life, that it was only sex that I had with him, I didn’t use him for ritual”, were the confessions of MacDonald, a Lagos based Hotelier during his arraignment by Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos State.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Leuven Empire Hotel and Suites, Ejigbo, Lagos, simply identified as Macdonald, has been accused of engaging in unlawful sexual acts with a 16-year-old secondary school boy.

Macdonald was arrested and arraigned by the Zone 2 Police Command, according to The Punch.

The suspect, however, denied allegations of ritual involvement but admitted to having sexual relations with the minor whose name was given as Chiagoziem.

Hear him: “I swear with my life, that it is only sex that I had with him, that I never used him for any ritual. I swear in the name of my late parents that are in the grave, I swear with my children that I never did anything ritual it was just sex.”

According to reports, the suspect allegedly lured the victim and four other teenagers to his hotel, where he sexually assaulted them and warned them against speaking out. The father of the 16-year-old victim, Edozie Christian, a spare parts dealer at Ladipo Market, Lagos, raised the alarm after his son confided in his mother. This led to a formal complaint to the police, triggering an investigation.

Police officials stated that Macdonald initially denied knowing the victim but later admitted to taking him to his residence at No. 4B, Oshoba Street, Akowonjo-Egbeda, Lagos, where the alleged acts occurred. Reports also indicate that the suspect attempted to bribe and manipulate the police process before his eventual arrest.

Following the complaint, the victim underwent medical examinations at Mirabel Medical Centre, a reputable facility for handling sexual abuse cases. A key witness, a close friend of the victim who was present at the hotel, corroborated the allegations and provided chat histories, telephone recordings, and video evidence.

Additionally, police uncovered misconduct by an officer initially handling the case. The officer allegedly removed crucial witness statements before transferring the case to Zone 2 Headquarters. The officer is now undergoing disciplinary procedures.

Sexual abuse of minors is a criminal offense under Nigerian law, with strict penalties outlined in the Criminal Code and Child Rights Act of 2003. Advocacy groups have called for swift justice to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.

Meanwhile, the victim is receiving medical care, and authorities have assured the public that the suspect will face formal charges in court.