The Akwa Ibom State University, located at Obio Akpa Campus in Oruk Anam has announced the suspension of four students for allegedly raping a female student of the institution.

The Head, Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Protocol of the University, Comrade Akaninyene Ibanga told journalists that the students were suspended by the university authorities as a normal procedure to allow them attend police interviews as part of investigations by the security agency to established their level of involvement in the crime.

He said the university would expel the students if they were found culpable of the offence after investigations.

Asked if the police would exonerate the suspected rapists, he said, “There is no way the police would exonerate them because the victim has obtained a medical report to back up police findings. Once the police concludes their investigation and send their report, the university would expel them if found guilty.”

In the release signed by the Head of Information unit of the institution, Mr Ibanga, the names of the perpetrators and their registration numbers were given as Akpan, Udeme Matthew (AK15/ART/HIS/009, Essien, Godwin Fidelis (AK16/SMS/MAS/019),Bassey Courage Joseph(AK16/ART/PFA/009)and Bassey Godspower Columbus (AK16/SMS/PAD/012 respectively.

“Kindly be informed that the Vice -Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University has taken appropriate disciplinary measures against the four students who have recently been involved in rape cases and caused embarrassment to the University Community.”

“Letters issued and signed on 8th April, 2019 on the directive of the Vice-Chancellor by the Registrar and Secretary to Senate, Mr. John E. Udo to the four culprits clearly state “The University has received a security report that on Saturday, March 23, 2019, you in company of three others allegedly raped and caused severe bodily harm to a female student of the Department of Performing Arts and Mass Comnunication”. He said.

He explained that the suspension letters were issued in line with the University rules and regulations as enshrined in the Student Information handbook.

He said the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Senate, had directed that the studentship of the suspects should be suspended indefinitely with effect from the date of the letters, for their alleged gross misconduct, which constitutes a breach of the Matriculation Oath.