ADO –EKITI the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ekiti chapter has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of a member of the House of Assembly, Mr. Dare Pelemo, over alleged sexual harassment and physical assault of one Mrs. Mercy Ilesanmi.

Pelemo, who represents Ekiti East Constituency 2, was said to have fondled the breasts of the woman on September 6 at the Assembly complex and later allegedly mobilised thugs who beat her up.

Ekiti FIDA legal officer, Mrs. Kemi Atitebi, who spoke to newsmen on Tuesday said the body received a complaint of sexual harassment and assault of Mrs. Ilesanmi against Pelemo, but the legislator shunned the invitation to come and defend himself against the allegation.

“FIDA Ekiti received the complaint of Mrs. Mercy Ilesanmi, who claimed she was assaulted and stripped naked in the premises of the Assembly complex. FIDA wrote a letter to invite the respondent for us to hear his own side of the story and to mediate in the matter. The woman is a widow and mother of three and her dignity has been violated.”

Narrating her ordeal, the victim, Mrs. Ilesanmi said: “I came to visit the member representing my constituency, Samuel Omotoso, but I met his absence. On my way out, I met Pelemo and we exchanged pleasantries. Immediately, he fondled my breasts.

“I went to report the matter to the Majority Leader, Mr. Tunji Akinyele. He was on phone but I waited. Before I knew what was happening, Pelemo came in with some miscreants and they started beating me, asking what I was doing in the Assembly complex and that I am an enemy of government.”

Reacting to the development, Pelemo denied the allegation, saying he was being framed up by his perceived political opponents. He said he did not touch the woman but only questioned her as the chairman of the security committee of the Assembly when she was not wearing a tag.

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