Police officers at the Zonal Command Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos State, have apprehended Opara Macdonald, the managing director and chief executive officer of Leuven Empire Hotel and Suites, following allegations of sodomizing a 16-year-old boy.
The arrest stems from a petition lodged on January 23, 2025, by Edozie Christian on behalf of his son, who accused Macdonald of taking him to his home in Egbeda, where the alleged assault occurred. Reports indicate that after the act, the suspect gave the victim N5,000 and instructed him to keep quiet about the incident, even warning him against telling his parents.
Command spokesperson Ayuba Umma detailed how the victim was initially too frightened to disclose the abuse, fearing mental repercussions. However, after persistent prompting, he eventually confided in his mother.
“The Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force hereby parades Opara Macdonald… following allegations of having unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor,” Umma stated. The investigation was initiated under the supervision of CSP Uba Bangajiya Adams upon receiving the complaint.
The victim’s narrative included being driven away from the hotel by Macdonald and taken to his residence on Oshoba Street in Akowonjo-Egbeda, where the assault allegedly took place. He recalled that after the incident, he was given a bottle of Lucozade and cash.
Upon reporting the incident to the Isheri-Osun Police Division, the victim faced challenges with Macdonald, who allegedly sought to obstruct the investigation. Ultimately, Macdonald was arrested after further inquiries were conducted at the Zone 2 Command Headquarters.
The victim underwent a medical examination at Mirabel Medical Centre, which confirmed the assault. Additionally, a friend present at the hotel on the day of the incident corroborated the victim’s claims and provided supporting evidence, including recorded conversations and videos taken with the suspect’s phone.
Initially denying knowledge of the victim, Macdonald later acknowledged that he had taken him to his home after being confronted with extensive evidence. Investigations are ongoing, with the victim currently receiving medical care.
Ayuba pointed out that the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO) had committed unprofessional conduct by removing a key witness statement from the case file and is now undergoing disciplinary action. She assured that the medical report remains unaltered despite some media claims.
The police emphasized the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians to protect children from potential harm as they prepare to take formal action against the accused.
