Raymond Dokpesi Detained in UK on Rape Charges
According to UK police sources, Nigerian media entrepreneur Raymond Dokpesi was arrested in London on rape charges on Sunday night.
Mr. Dokpesi, the owner of broadcaster AIT, was met at London Heathrow Airport on Sunday evening after landing from a connecting aircraft via Frankfurt.
“On Sunday, January 8, a 71-year-old man was arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of rape,” a London police source stated. The arrest stems from a rape allegation in August 2019.
The individual has been bailed, pending further enquiries, till a date in early April, “Investigations into the events continue.”
Mr. Dokpesi did not respond to a comment request. His media company, Daar Communications, stated in a broadcast announcing Mr Dokpesi’s release that he was arrested for a minor offense and was freed immediately. The station remained mute on the London police’s decision to detain Mr Raymond Dokpesi in the UK for the foreseeable future.
The arrest came as Mr Raymond Dokpesi was preparing to see Mr Abubakar in London for a meeting, which a party source said The Gazette was tied to preparations for the presidential election next month. Mr Abubakar is the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s contender in the race.
Mr. Dokpesi may be effectively barred from participating in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, which is planned for February 25.
Another key PDP politician, Ike Ekweremadu, has been detained in London since June 2022 on suspicions of organ trafficking. A trial in the case was set to begin on January 31.
