D’banj’s rape accuser, Seyitan Babatayo has released a statement after she dismissed her petition against the singer. Seyitan released this in reacti
D’banj’s rape accuser, Seyitan Babatayo has released a statement after she dismissed her petition against the singer.
Seyitan released this in reaction to a statement released by the human rights group, Stand To End Rape Initiative (STER), that has been trying to get justice for her. In the statement, STER had accused activist Segun Awosanya, aka Segalink of attempting to “pervert justice” in the case between Seyitan Babatayo and D’banj.
STER also claimed that Segalink texted an address to Seyitan and asked her to attend a meeting with D’banj there. STER said the meeting was aimed at negotiating a private settlement and Seyitan’s legal counsel was also scheduled to be in attendance. The NGO said that they were also invited to the meeting but declined because “out-of-court settlements go against STER’s policy.”
They added in the statement: “such settlements, in our experience, often involve an asymmetry of power between the accused and victim. More importantly, while private settlements are usual in civil disputes, they are, however, not applicable to criminal cases, particularly where a felony has been alleged to have been committed, only the State has the authority to discontinue a criminal investigation and prosecution. An attempt by any private individual(s) to circumvent the authority of the State in criminal investigations may amount to a conspiracy and attempt to pervert justice.”
Reacting to STER’s statement, Seyitan cleared the activity of trying to pervert justice. She said it was her family that wanted to reach a settlement so they reached out to Segalink. Seyi ended her statement saying all she wants is peace. She wrote: “It was my family members and I that did resolve to and subsequently contacted @Segalink to facilitate a meeting with D-banj’s team for a resolution of the issue and as I did not intend to continue with this contention.I really want my PEACE. Thank you.”
I want my PEACE. @segalink @StandtoEndRape
Thank you so much pic.twitter.com/E5vQpL7NaU
— Aunty Seyitan (@seyitannn_) July 24, 2020
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