The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an Indian, Jay Keswani, for allegedly assaulting his wife’s domestic help, Faith Nwaneri, on the Banana Island, Ikoyi area of the state.
Punch Metro learnt that Keswani was apprehended on Tuesday by the Adeniji Adele division after about six weeks he allegedly evaded arrest.
It was gathered that Faith, who worked for the Indian businessman, was hit on the face on Friday, August 12, while in the Keswanis’ apartment on the Banana Island.
She was said to have been assaulted for coming late to work on that day.
It was learnt that Faith sustained a facial injury after which she reported the matter at the Ikoyi Police Division.
Policemen from the division had reportedly gone to the Island to arrest the Indian, but were allegedly prevented from entering the area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the Indian’s arrest, adding that he would be charged to court at the end of investigation.
She said, “The police arrested him on Tuesday. He was nabbed by the Adeniji Adele division. He was tracked to his house. When the suspect discovered that the police were on the lookout for him, he initially fled.
“But when he thought the tension was down, he returned to his house and was arrested. The family support unit of the division is in charge of the case. The Indian has not confessed to the crime, but all the evidences before the police indicate that he assaulted the lady. He will be charged to court.”
Faith’s elder brother, Chukwuka, had narrated that her sister was late to work on that Friday, because the security men delayed to give her a pass.
He said, “Keswani’s wife queried Faith for coming late, and she explained that she was delayed by the security men at the gate for lack of a pass. The Indian’s wife became angry and reported Faith to her husband.
“There was an altercation and my sister was hit on the face; she began to bleed. She fell and became unconscious, but they thought she was pretending.
“When she regained consciousness, she headed for a public hospital at Falomo, and also reported at the Ikoyi Police Station. The police at Ikoyi invited the Indian, but he did not show up.”
Punch gathered that the matter was also reported to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, Alausa.
The DSVRT Coordinator, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, said, “The case was brought to our attention on September 14.
“It came to our knowledge that the case was first reported at the Ikoyi division, but the police at that level were unable to invite him.
“The case was transferred to another police section on September 2, but the Indian did not appear to write his statement until September 7.
“When the matter got to us, the DSVRT referred the case to the Adeniji Adele division. The Divisional Police Officer referred the case to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, and the Commissioner of Police directed that the matter be charged to court.”
A source at the Adeniji Adele division said the Indian, in his statement to the police, insisted that he was not guilty of the offence.
