Matilda Omonaiye/
Detectives investigating a case of alleged sexual harassment against one of the coordinators of Norland Nigeria, a Chinese company that offers Multi-Level Marketing business built on curative Chinese Products, with compensations and benefits plan, have arraigned the suspect in court yesterday.
The accused coordinator identified as Isaac Alocha aka Mayor of Norland allegedly sexually harassed a woman in his team, sending suggestive messages and terrifying picture of his private part which he described as a hotdog in a WhatsApp chat.
Following his arrest and investigation by the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba, Alocha was yesterday arraigned at the Magistrate’s Court 2, Yaba, in Lagos. His plea was taken and he was granted bail with two sureties.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the matter was adjourned till October 26, 2020.
In a petition submitted to the police through her lawyers – F.T. Ibadin & Associates, the victim, Miss Fortune Akhuetie claimed that her uncle who is also a registered investor with Norland Nigeria introduced her to the multi-level marketing scheme.
She registered and invested the sum of N350, 000 which was allegedly paid into the personal account of Isaac Alocha, a recognized team leader of Norland.
In the petition, Fortune alleged that Mayor of Norland was in the habit of making “forceful, unpleasant and unacceptable sexual advances towards her”.
On one occasion, Alocha asked her to get ready to perform oral sex on him while describing his penis as “hotdog”.
At a time, Alocha allegedly told her in a WhatsApp chat that he was coming to her house to drop some products. He then asked her if she had anything for him when he comes. Thinking that Alocha was referring to drinks or food, she told him she had nothing. He then told her she had ‘pussy’ to give him. The next thing he allegedly did was to send her his nude picture displaying full erection.
He followed up with another message threatening that unless she agrees to have sex with him, she would not grow up the ladder in Norland.
Fortune has taken the matter to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) under the Ministry of Justice, from where the matter was transferred to the Lagos State Police Command for investigation.
In the referral letter to the Commissioner of Police (CP) Hakeem Odumosu, dated August 20, the DSVRT Coordinator, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi stated, “We refer Miss Fortune Akhuetie to your office for your kind assistance. Miss Fortune alleged that one Mr. Isaac Alocha (Mayor of Norland) has been in the habit of making unpleasant and unwarranted sexual advances towards her. She lives in fear of being sexually assaulted. This is a case of sexual harassment, threat to life and assault occasioning harm, contrary to the criminal law of Lagos State 2015. Being a criminal allegation, the intervention of the police is needed in ensuring that the case is investigated and justice is served.”
When contacted, Alocha admitted that he shared his nude with Fortune, but he described her allegations of sexual harassment as blackmail.
He said that he was just trying to help her in the business.
He also argued that he had committed no crime because Fortune is above 18 and he did not touch or come close to her.
Confirming receipt of the petition, CP Odumosu said that the matter had been transferred to the Gender section at the State Criminal Investigations Department, Panti for further investigation.
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