Nigerian musician Paul Okoye (formerly of the duo P-Square) has publicly denied an accusation that he raped a former household staff member, responding sharply to the woman’s claims and promising to fight back.
The accusation first surfaced this week when a woman — who identified herself as a former house help in Okoye’s household — published allegations that she was sexually assaulted.
The story quickly spread across social and traditional media, prompting a flurry of public reactions and calls for a formal investigation.
In a swift reaction, Paul Okoye dismissed the allegation and warned the accuser that he would not be made a “scapegoat.”
The musician’s statement, issued via his camp and amplified on social platforms, described the claim as false and suggested it was part of an attempt to damage his reputation.
Representatives for Okoye said they are considering legal options and would cooperate with any legitimate investigation.
Allegations of sexual violence against public figures spark intense public interest and raise difficult questions about due process, media responsibility, and the protection of survivors.
Media outlets and public commentators must navigate two imperatives at once: giving victims a platform to report abuse, and ensuring allegations are reliably verified before being treated as established fact.
Legal and Reputational stakes
For the accused, a rape allegation can cause immediate reputational damage, loss of endorsements, and career disruption — even before any legal determination.
For the accuser, coming forward often involves personal risk and a high emotional toll.
In Nigeria, as in many jurisdictions, the next steps typically involve police reports, medical examinations (where relevant), and either the laying of charges by prosecutors or a decision by authorities not to proceed.
Reactions From The Public
Social media has split between supporters urging thorough investigation and others defending the musician until independent material evidence or legal findings emerge.
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Some fellow entertainers and industry figures have called for calm while the matter is clarified; others have urged impartial investigations and full accountability if wrongdoing is proven.
