Stephanie Okereke’s Brother Allegedly Raped UNILAG Student, Nollywood Actress Reacts

Last week, Nigerian actress Stephanie Okereke's
older brother was arrested for his alleged
involvement in a rape case involving a University of
Lagos undergraduate, Arinola.
Daniel Okereke was alleged to have drugged Arinola
and had intimacy with her while 4 men tied her up.
His case is now being investigated.
Stephanie few hours ago released a press statement
to distance herself from her brother.
The Nollywood diva asked the media to avoid
attaching her name to the damaging story.
In her own words:
I am distraught and devastated to hear of the recent
allegation of rape brought against a relative of mine,
Daniel Okereke (my brother).
While it is a very difficult time for me, and my family;
I feel the need to make clear my position, lest there
be any doubt. Rape is rape, regardless of who the
face of the accused is.
Indeed, the irony is not lost on me. I have spent my
lifelong career advocating and living my conviction
that women around the world should be able to live
free of violence, sexual harassment or any form of
abuse against their persons. This conviction led me
to be involved in numerous initiatives combating
violence against women in several countries
including the U.S, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The conviction also led me to place much of my
energy on my work with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF),
a passion that dates back to my time at the
University of Calabar.
As a student, I heard a story about young girls who
had been forced into early marriage and were
suffering the negative and embarrassing effects of
VVF. The story stayed in my consciousness and drove
me, for years, to seek ways to raise awareness on the
condition; leading to my work with a team of
dedicated doctors to carry out repair surgeries for
VVF victims across the country; and my self-
produced, soon to be released movie, 'DRY.'
So, again, it is indeed heart breaking for me to
receive and deal with news alleging a family member
of mine is an alleged perpetrator of sexual violence
against a woman. I am devastated.
This case is now in Nigeria's criminal justice system
as the accused awaits arraignment. I have also
encouraged and assured the alleged victim of my
stance against rape and applaud her for her bravery
to upset the culture of silence, in Nigeria; even as I
accord deference and patiently wait for the criminal
justice system to determine the guilt or innocence of
my brother.
For Nigerian press and blogs; I call on you to please
report this case in an ethical manner. I am a married
woman living my life. The alleged transgression of
my relative does not make it mine. The focus should
be the impact of rape on the alleged victim, and
resources for other alleged victims, not me.
Some members of the press and blogs have turned
me into the accuser; using my name for sensational
headlines and putting my images, exclusively, in
their stories. This is a form of victimization of me as a
woman, its unethical and extremely hurtful. I am not
the alleged accused.
I therefore please ask all bloggers and the media who
have placed my pictures and name to this story to
refrain from further using me to sensationalise this
story.
I thank my fans, and all well-wishers for your
continued support and ask for your continued
prayers.
God bless.

Posted By David Aniemeka