Stephanie Okereke Linus Addresses Rape Allegations Against Her Brother

Stephanie Linus has released a statement addressing the rape allegations against her older brother, Daniel Okereke, who was arrested for allegedly molesting a UNILAG student named Arinola. Like any right thinking woman, Stephanie is devastated by this. See her statement below..

"Rape is Rape, Regardless of Who the Face of the Accused is” - Stephanie Linus
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, segxwal 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 honeypotl 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 segxwal 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 thank my fans, and all well-wishers for your continued support and ask for your continued prayers.
God bless.

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Posted: at 24-11-2014 09:39 AM (9 years ago) | Hero

 ok

Posted: at 24-11-2014 10:01 AM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac

You've spoken well. Mz stephanie

Posted: at 24-11-2014 10:36 AM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Genuine human being, no sentiment at all unlike some animals that i dont want to mention their names one of which has already responded who put tribal sentiment in everything

Posted: at 24-11-2014 11:40 AM (9 years ago) | Upcoming

well spoken.

Posted: at 24-11-2014 12:36 PM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac

I promise not 2 call ur name again

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Posted: at 24-11-2014 02:34 PM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Very well said if truly she said all these words. If you cannot do the time, don't do the crime. Period. End of story.

Posted: at 24-11-2014 04:22 PM (9 years ago) | Upcoming

I love u steph and u will always be my role model...no worry we go stone ur brother to death since him wan spoil ur name

Posted: at 24-11-2014 06:16 PM (9 years ago) | Newbie

Wow! Wat a lovely and unbiased statement 4rm Lady Steph. Let d law treat d case fairly with justice

Posted: at 24-11-2014 09:11 PM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Wow....nıce one

Posted: at 24-11-2014 09:53 PM (9 years ago) | Hero