In a story that has captured public attention, Adedoyin Adeoye and Mr. Terry Ekanem present two sharply contrasting versions of events that have unfolded between them. This complex narrative revolves around allegations of rape, abuse of legal processes, and deeply personal accusations that blur the lines of truth and deceit.
Adedoyin’s Account: A Plea for Justice
Adedoyin Adeoye, a freelance agent working with Mr. Ekanem’s travel agency, describes a working relationship that took a dark turn. Initially, she engaged with the agency under a target-based freelance arrangement, finding the offered full-time employment terms unfavorable. On July 21, Adedoyin alleges that Mr. Ekanem invited her to a hotel in Ikeja under the guise of discussing a prospective client and the establishment of a branch office she was to manage in Victoria Island. Leaving directly from church to attend the meeting, she reluctantly proceeded to his hotel room.
According to Adedoyin, upon entering the room, Mr. Ekanem locked the door, overpowered her, and raped her despite her pleas and struggles. She further recounts being held hostage in the room until late at night when Mr. Ekanem arranged a cab to take her home. Days after the incident, Adedoyin filed a complaint with the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Team (DSVRT) and initiated legal action through her lawyers. Subsequent the DSVRT team referred her complaint to the Lagos State Police Command Ikeja for investigation. The investigation was frustrated by Mr. Ekanem’s failure to honor police invitations. Instead he filed a counter-petition at the FCIID Alagbon, Ikoyi Lagos.
Adedoyin alleges harassment and foul play, particularly when summoned to a police station via an unverified invitation letter. This led her to file a fundamental rights enforcement action, accusing Mr. Ekanem of refusing to cooperate with investigations and using his influence to intimidate her. She further claims that Mr. Ekanem has threatened her, vowing to “deal with her” if she persists in pursuing the case.
However, despite the service of the fundamental enforcement processes on FCIID Alagbon, they still arrested and detained Adedoyin and held her until the next day before realising her on bail.
Mr. Terry’s Response: A Defense Against Allegations
In response to these grave accusations, Mr. Terry Ekanem paints an entirely different picture. He asserts that his relationship with Adedoyin was consensual, describing her as a “regular girlfriend” he met at a club. According to him, their relationship involved frequent outings and consensual sexual relations, and he denies ever raping her.
He claims that Adedoyin’s allegations stem from jealousy, manipulation, and financial demands he refused to meet, including requests for abortion funds, infection treatments, and high-end accommodation.
Mr. Ekanem denies Adedoyin’s claim of being a freelance employee, stating that while she had expressed interest in working for his agency, he declined due to logistical concerns. He admits proposing the idea of opening a branch office closer to her residence but insists this was never formalized.
Regarding the police investigation, Mr. Ekanem explains that he could not attend the invitation by the Ikeja police command because he was out of the country at the time of the invitation. He refutes the rape allegations and maintained that the medical reports submitted by Adedoyin has been scrutinized by his team of doctors and lawyers and confirmed as lacking incriminating evidence. He justifies his counter-petition and subsequent use of a different police station to address what he describes as a smear campaign against him.
While maintaining that Adedoyin’s was his girlfriend, Mr. Ekanem maintains that her allegations are fabricated, driven by spite and an attempt to tarnish his reputation. Despite his initial resolve to pursue legal action against her, he claims to have reconsidered, leaving the matter to the police while threatening further action if the accusations persist.
A Quest for Truth
Meanwhile, Adedoyin’s lawyer had earlier upon her arrest, filed an ex parte application seeking an interim relief to prevent the police from further arresting and detaining her pending the hearing of the fundamental right application. Upon hearing the motion ex parte, Justice Ogazi of the Federal High Court directed that the parties should be put on notice. While adjourning the case till December 10, 2024, the court directed the Respondents to file their responses within 5 days and to maintain status quo pending the hearing of the application. As the case continues, both parties remain entrenched in their narratives, each accusing the other of deceit and misconduct.
The court processes filed by Adedoyin and Mr. Ekanem’s petitions underscore the legal complexities of the situation. Public opinion is divided, with many calling for a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure justice is served.
This case is a stark reminder of the challenges in adjudicating allegations of sexual violence and abuse of power. It highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and due process to navigate the murky waters of conflicting testimonies. Ultimately, the truth lies in the evidence and the judicial system’s ability to uphold justice in the face of such contentious claims.
Attached are the processes already filed by Adedoyin wherein she gave detailed account of the fact she is relying on to seek redress against Mr. Ekanem in court:
Adedoyin-compressed (1)Letter from DVRST referring the case to the police for investigation
