Actress Stephanie Okereke-Linus has finally spoken out after the arrest of her brother, Daniel Okereke, who
raped a student of the University of Lagos.
The actress is asking that her name and photographs be removed from all stories relating to the case.
Read the statement below.
“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; it’s 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.
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