KNUST alleged gang rape: Interdicted police officer, L400 student remanded

Police officer Lance Corporal Frank Adu Poku, whom together with a final year KNUST student allegedly raped a level 100 student at Bomso, has been interdicted.

The duo were denied bail after they were arraigned before court Thursday, July 28 when several attempts by their counsel to push for bail proved futile.

The Asokore Mampong District Court remanded Lance Corporal Frank Adu Poku and the final year student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Joel Osei Owusu, for allegedly raping a first-year student of the school.

Although police are yet to issue any press statement on the fate of Lance Corporal Frank Adu Poku, Prosecutor ACP Kofi Blagozi spoke to the media after the suspects were denied bail.

“Lance Corporal Frank Adu Poku has been interdicted by the police administration to ensure thorough investigation in the said alleged rape case,” ACP Kofi Blagodzi revealed to 3news.com.

The two suspects were charged with two counts – conspiracy to commit rape and rape.

According to the police’s charge sheet, the two persons last week Tuesday, July 19 took turns and forcibly raped the first-year student at a hostel at Bomso.

Appearing before the Asokore Mampong District Court, the prosecutor said the alleged victim, who deals in ladies’ clothing, displayed some of the items on the internet for sale.

He said the final year student upon seeing the advert, contacted her and assured her of having similar ones which he wants to supply to her for which she could make more profit.

The complainant then agreed to meet him and he led her to his room under the pretext of showing her the clothes, but suddenly locked the door and put the key into his pocket.

Lead Prosecutor ACP Kofi Blagodzi further explained that “the final year student then told the ‘victim’ that he is a scammer and that he will only let her leave the room after she undresses for him to take pictures and a video of her nakedness to be sent to his business partner abroad for money out of which the complainant will have 30% share.”

“Out of fear, the complainant told the police that she reluctantly obliged and removed her clothes where the final-year student took pictures and videos of her nudity and she was further compelled to recite some words which the first accused person sent to his partner for the payment of the money.

“The complainant further told the police that the final year student who is the first accused person ordered her to perform oral sex on him which was videoed and then went ahead to have unprotected sex with her.”

Mr Blagodzi after recounting the ordeal also added that “after satisfying himself, he [the Level 400 student] then went out of the room, locked the door but returned with the second accused person, the police officer, who was armed with a pistol whom he introduced as his friend and business partner. The final year student left the room locked, as it was left with the complainant and the police officer, who also took his turn in having sexual intercourse with her.”

“After the police officer had also forcibly had sex with the complainant, the first accused person then returned to the room and forcefully administered LYDIA contraceptive pills to the complainant in order to prevent any unwanted pregnancy, after which the complainant was sent out of the room. Traumatized the victim went home and later confided in the University authorities (at KNUST) who decided to report to the police on 21st July 2022.”

On 22nd July 2022, KNUST authorities arrested the final year student and handed him over to the police.

The police say in his caution statement, the final year student admitted the offence and mentioned the police officer as his accomplice and he was arrested the same day.

Appearing before the Asokore Mampong District Court, the two persons were remanded as they are supposed to reappear on Tuesday, August 9.

ACP Kofi Blagodzi said the police are liaising with the authorities of KNUST to offer psychological support to the victim.

He also noted that the police administration will not shield any officer who “commits such an act to bring the name of the service to disrepute”.