The authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State have denied reports claiming that a female passenger was robbed and sexually abused by a commercial motorcyclist and that she is a student of the institution.

The Public Relations Officer of the university, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated in a press release that the lady has no affiliation with the university. He said: “The female passenger engaged the services of the Okada rider in front of the university main gate along Ife-Ede road, going to Moro, a nearby town. The motorcyclist, later identified as Damilare Jacob, suddenly diverted into the bush, where he sexually abused the young lady and then robbed her of her belongings.

“We have done our due diligence, and the outcome of our detailed investigation revealed that no OAU student, within or outside the campus, was involved in sexual assaults or robbery.

“Accordingly, we implore the general public, especially the parents and guardians of our students, to disregard the news in its entirety.

“Our university is not in session, and all our students, with a few exceptions, have been on holiday for almost a month.

“We hereby appeal to our colleagues in the media who are partners in progress to always verify the authenticity of their stories, particularly when Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, is involved.” The Osun State Police Command has paraded the suspect over the alleged robbery and sexual assault.