ARM suspends ED accused of rape, begins investigation

ARM Pension Managers Limited says it has placed an executive director on administrative leave after he was accused of rape by a female employee.

The incident reportedly occurred on the night of July 18 after a team bonding event in Lagos.

According to the employee, the director was tasked with dropping her off at home as she was unsure of driving herself after getting tipsy from a cocktail.

“Next thing I know I wake up and realize I am in a room fully undressed,” she said.

“I look around and I realize it was a hotel. I find my clothes in a pile and my wig, my phone and my handbag.

“I checked the time it was around 3am and my private parts were sore and bruised… it felt like someone had invaded me.”

The employee said after the incident, she asked the director why she woke up in a hotel instead of her house and “he said I was incoherent and so he took me to that hotel”.

She said she did not consent to being involved with the director.

The ARM employee added that the director had earlier asked her to sit with him at the party, but said she declined, and instead sat with colleagues she was comfortable with.

The employee also said she did a rape test and lodged a formal complaint at the Ikoyi police station.

In a statement on Wednesday, ARM said they were deeply disturbed by the development and are committed to addressing the situation with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity.

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with our colleague who has come forward. We want to express our deepest concern and support for her during this tough time,” the statement reads.

“Sexual assault is a grave matter that has no place in our organization and society at large, and we stand firmly against all forms of harassment or violence.”

The company said a thorough and independent investigation into the allegation has commenced, and that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive and impartial.

“The accused employee, an Executive in the Company, has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation’s outcome,” the statement said.

“Additionally, we are offering support services to the complainant who has come forward, including counselling and any other resources she may need during this time.”

ARM said it remains committed to fostering a safe and respectful workplace for all employees, with zero tolerance for sexual harassment or assault, and will continuously strive to maintain a culture of integrity and respect.