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Why I drugged my wife for dozens of men to rape – 70-year-old man under trial

Published

2 years ago

September 9, 2024

Dominique Pelicot,

Why I drugged my wife for dozens of men to rape – 70-year-old man under trial

A man on trial in France for drugging his wife and inviting dozens of men to r@pe her over a decade told a criminal psychologist that his wife was to blame for his actions because she wouldn’t go swinging with him.

Dominique Pelicot, 71, was excused from sitting through the hearing today, September 9, after his lawyer told the trial judge that he had suffered “medical problems” over the past 48 hours for which he had not received “adequate treatment”.

But psychologist Annabelle Montagne told the court in Avignon this morning that she interviewed the retired electrician in December 2020, a month and a half after he was taken into custody, where he admitted to carrying out the campaign of abuse of his wife Gisele.

The psychologist recounted: “Pelicot said, ‘My wife and I had a discussion about swinging but she didn’t agree so I drugged her’.”

Montagne said Pelicot maintained he loved his wife, but she added: “He sees his partner as an object to satisfy his sexual and narcissistic needs. His wife is then a partial object and no longer an object of total love.”

It comes as another prison psychologist this morning told the court that Pelicot had a “split personality”, lacked empathy and inherited the temper of his father, who was said to be a violent abuser.

She also revealed Pelicot maintains the sickening abuse of his wife would have continued if he had not been arrested and complained that his life had been ruined by the criminal charges brought against him.

The disturbing revelations into Pelicot’s mind were revealed before his two sons, David and Florian, took to the stand to give evidence against their father.

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Psychologist Marianne Douteau this morning told the court how her client lamented his arrest, complaining that the case against him had ruined his life and that he and his wife could have continued in a happy marriage had his misdeeds not been discovered.

Douteau said: “(Pelicot) complains that this criminal case against him has destroyed his life.

“He claims everything could have continued as before if he had been arrested. He said: ‘Gisele would not have known anything, we would have continued to be happy”.”

Madame Douteau subsequently told the court of several major events in Pelicot’s upbringing, explaining that he revealed in a lengthy February 2021 interview with her that he was raped by a hospital nurse when he was aged just nine years old.

Meanwhile, Pelicot’s father Denis was said to be a vicious wife-beater who sent his son out to work from the age of 14 and took 80 per cent of his wages. His parents also took in a young girl, whom Denis is said to have abused.

The psychologist concluded that Pelicot had inherited a personality like that of his father – angry, stubborn and impulsive.

She said: “Dominique Pelicot comes from a troubled family in which young children were abused.

“[Pelicot] has a two-sided personality; he is a patriarch but he is also irresponsible and manipulative. Behind closed doors he does not respect limits.

“He has a split personality between the person he wants to be and the person he is.”

“He does not show any empathy – but he is not inauthentic [in his expressions of love for his wife],” she concluded.

The psychologist also explained how Pelicot admitted he was very sexually demanding and routinely sought out sex on the internet.

He told her: “I went on the internet every day, I was constantly on sites offering wife-swaps.”

The psychologist told how Madame Pelicot was cut off from her support network in Paris after the couple moved to the south of France in 2013 for their retirement, at which point Dominique Pelicot ramped up his heinous campaign of abuse until his eventual arrest in 2020.

Pelicot fell in love with Gisele, whom he considered “a saint,” when they were 18-year-olds and they married just two years later, setting up a home in the Paris region.

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They both recall having a happy marriage, although she had an affair with a work colleague about 14 years after tying the knot while he also engaged in extramarital adventures.

Pelicot trained as an electrician and worked for French energy giant EDF, but in the early 2000s decided to retrain and start a new career as an entrepreneur in real estate.

He divorced his wife in 2004 in what he described as a “strategic move” to shield her from huge debts he built up in a failed business venture to become an estate agent, with the couple forced to borrow cash from various different sources.

Despite their monetary issues, the couple remarried in 2007 to huge fanfare, with Gisele’s stable income from her position as a manager in a Paris-based company meaning they were ultimately able to make ends meet.

But the picture of an idyllic marriage painted by Dominique Pelicot was torn down by his brother along with his sons David and Florian, who described their dad as an angry liar who could not stand to be contradicted and flew off the handle when he was confronted with his failings.

The case, heard in the town of Avignon in France’s Provence, has appalled anyone who has listened to how former electrical engineer Dominique Pelicot abused his wife over a decade.

Madame Pelicot, 72, last week faced down the 51 men – including her husband – who have been accused of raping her, all of whom were stuffed into the Vaucluse Criminal Court each day as proceedings continued.

In a three-hour testimony last week, the grandmother-of-seven described the moment she learned from police officers how she was drugged unconscious and then raped by strangers as she laid motionless on the marital bed, while her husband watched on, recording the abuse on camera for his own personal pleasure.

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She told the court: “I was subjected on the altar of vice. It’s a dead woman on a bed. This isn’t a bedroom, it’s an operating theatre. They treat me like a garbage bag, a rag doll. These aren’t sex scenes, these are rape scenes, it unbearable.”

In her evidence, the couple’s only daughter Caroline Peyronnet told the court last week how her world fell apart when her mother called her to inform her of his crimes. Her agony was compounded when detectives discovered Mr Pelicot had also taken photographs of Caroline lying motionless on a bed in her mother’s underwear.

Caroline Peyronnet, 45, described her father as “one of the worst sexual predators of the last 20 years.”

The trial has heard that Pelicot’s perversion was only discovered after he was arrested for taking photos up women’s skirts at a supermarket near the couple’s home in the pretty village of Mazan, in the shadow of Mont Ventoux in September 2020.

A police search of his computer discovered 20,000 homemade films and photographs of men he met on the internet raping his wife dating back to 2011.

Detectives traced 50 of some 84 men that Pelicot had met on a now-defunct website and invited to his home to carry out the abuse.

They discovered that Pelicot routinely put powerful sedatives in his wife’s drink and food to render her unconscious for when her abusers arrived at the family home under cover of darkness.

Pelicot urged the men to sneak into the house and undress in the kitchen to leave no trace. Then, he turned on the camera and filmed as each man abused his wife, before meticulously filing and cataloguing the home moves under various skin-crawling titles.

The men, all from the Provence area of the south of France, are aged between 26 and 73 and include a fireman, a nurse, a civil servant, a plumber, a soldier and a journalist.

Detective traced 50 of these men and together with Pelicot, charged them all with r@pe.

About 16 of the accused, including Pelicot, have admitted the offence. But 35 maintain they are innocent, with one man telling police he believed Gisele Pelicot had consented as her husband was present.

Pelicot faces up to 20 years in jail. The other men face shorter sentences if found guilty.

The trial is set to last until December.

Why I drugged my wife for dozens of men to rape – 70-year-old man under trial

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Two Bodies Recovered as Car Plunges Into River Along Ibadan’s Amuloko Road

Published

39 minutes ago

May 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Two Bodies Recovered as Car Plunges Into River Along Ibadan’s Amuloko Road

IBADAN – The Oyo State Fire Services Agency has recovered the bodies of two passengers after a car plunged into the Ariyo River along the Amuloko area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in a tragic accident that has renewed concerns over road safety in the region.

The victims were recovered from the river in the Ona Ara Local Government Area on Friday, May 29, 2026, following a complex rescue operation by officials of the agency. The vehicle involved was identified as a Toyota Avensis with no identifiable registration number, which was said to have lost control before veering off the road and plunging into the water.

Confirming the incident on Saturday, May 30, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Maroof Akinwande, disclosed that the agency received a distress call at exactly 21:40 hours (9:40 PM) on Friday and immediately deployed a rescue team to the scene. Firefighters led by ACFS Amoo arrived to find the vehicle completely submerged in the river and promptly commenced rescue operations.

“On arrival, it was confirmed that the vehicle had swerved off the road and submerged in the river. The rescue team immediately commenced operations by applying all necessary rescue procedures and successfully recovered two casualties from the vehicle,” Akinwande said.

He added that the bodies were subsequently handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force from Ogbere Divisional Police Headquarters for further action. “The victims were handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force led by ASP Adesuwa Sesan from Ogbere Target Police Station, Ibadan, for further necessary action,” he stated.

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According to Akinwande, preliminary post-incident investigations indicated that the cause of the accident was overspeeding and brake failure. The rescue operation was concluded at approximately 01:19 hours (1:19 AM) on Saturday, after which the crew returned to base and remained on operational standby.

The fire service chairman used the opportunity to urge members of the public to be more safety conscious, especially around festive periods. He also advised motorists to ensure all parts of their vehicles are functioning properly and cautioned against overspeeding to prevent avoidable tragedies.

Dr. Akinwande further encouraged the public to promptly report fire or rescue emergencies, provide accurate addresses, and contact the Fire Service through the following emergency lines: 08067439223, 08054353501, or 615 (toll-free).

The identities of the deceased had yet to be disclosed as of the time of reporting, while the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the police. This incident follows a similar tragedy in March 2026, when three bodies were recovered, and five persons were rescued after a commercial bus plunged into the same Ariyo River along Amuloko Road, highlighting persistent road safety challenges in the area.

Two Bodies Recovered as Car Plunges Into River Along Ibadan’s Amuloko Road

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Stop Using Videos to Harass Our Officers — IGP Disu Tells Nigerians

Published

2 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu

Stop Using Videos to Harass Our Officers — IGP Disu Tells Nigerians

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned Nigerians against indiscriminately recording and circulating videos of police officers carrying out lawful duties, saying such actions could undermine security operations and affect officers’ morale.

Disu said while the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to accountability and transparency, members of the public must ensure that recordings and social media engagements involving police personnel are done responsibly. He specifically cautioned against filming officers on duty for content creation purposes, describing the trend as concerning and potentially harmful to operational effectiveness.

The IGP also expressed concern about the circulation of old, misleading videos falsely presented as recent incidents, warning that such content fuels misinformation, creates panic, and undermines national security efforts. He stressed that the Force remains committed to accountability and transparency when it comes to policing, but these principles must be balanced with operational realities.

Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN) held at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja over the weekend, Disu addressed the growing trend of civilians recording police officers’ activities at checkpoints and other areas of responsibility and posting the footage on social media. “Yes, accountability is important, and we remain committed to transparency. However, recordings and public engagements involving police officers must be done responsibly and should not be used to harass officers or undermine operational effectiveness,” the IGP stated.

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He cautioned against the growing trend of indiscriminate recording of officers during routine and sensitive activities, including while they are eating, noting that such actions could negatively impact morale at a time when security personnel are confronting multiple security challenges nationwide. “Police officers operate under extremely challenging conditions, often risking their lives to protect citizens and maintain public safety. It is important that public conduct and media coverage do not discourage officers who are committed to doing the right thing,” he added.

Disu disclosed that policing in Nigeria has become increasingly demanding, with officers now working extended hours under severe operational pressures. He revealed that the conventional shift structure has been replaced by round-the-clock duties. “We no longer operate the conventional policing structure of morning, afternoon, and night shifts. Officers work virtually around the clock under very difficult circumstances. Last year alone, the FCT Police Command lost about 140 officers through violent attacks, accidents, and other duty-related incidents,” he revealed. The IGP noted that many officers continue to sacrifice sleep, comfort, and even their lives to ensure citizens live and work peacefully. “If you calculate the number of police officers who die annually across Nigeria while protecting citizens, you will understand the sacrifices they make to keep the country safe,” he said.

Disu reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance against impunity, assuring Nigerians that officers found guilty of misconduct would continue to face disciplinary measures in line with established laws and professional standards. “We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to ending impunity within the Force, and we will continue to address complaints against personnel professionally and decisively. At the same time, officers carrying out lawful duties must also be protected from harassment and deliberate misinformation,” he said. The IGP further assured Nigerians of sustained engagement between the police and the media as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, public trust, and effective communication on security matters. He described journalists as strategic partners in the fight against insecurity and urged continued collaboration in promoting responsible and accurate security reporting.

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Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN), Festus Fifen, reaffirmed the commitment of crime correspondents to supporting national security efforts through responsible journalism and factual reporting. “We are no longer just reporting violence; we are part of a system working towards building a safer society,” Fifen said. He called for improved collaboration between the police and the media, particularly in the area of timely access to credible information during security incidents to prevent misinformation and speculation. He assured the police leadership that crime correspondents remain committed partners in promoting peace, security, and national development.

The IGP also expressed concern over the circulation of old and misleading videos falsely presented as recent incidents, stressing that such content contributes to misinformation, public panic, and unnecessary tension within communities. “We urge members of the public and social media users to refrain from recycling old or manipulated videos capable of creating panic or undermining national security efforts. Such actions are harmful to the country’s image and stability,” he said. The IG’s appeal comes amid frequent recordings of police officers’ activities at checkpoints and other areas of responsibility by some civilians who then post the footage on social media. According to him, police personnel continue to make enormous sacrifices daily in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and deserve public understanding and support.

As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Police Force continues to balance its commitment to transparency with the need to protect officers from harassment and misinformation. The IGP has assured Nigerians that legitimate complaints against officers will continue to be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, while urging the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies in efforts to combat crime and improve community safety.

Stop Using Videos to Harass Our Officers — IGP Disu Tells Nigerian

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Three Man O’ War Members Arrested Over Killing of FUTO Student

Published

8 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Chinedu Christogonus (also identified as Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus)

Three Man O’ War Members Arrested Over Killing of FUTO Student

The Imo State Police Command has arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), in connection with the alleged murder of a 21-year-old undergraduate who was reportedly beaten to death by members of the university’s Man O’ War organisation over an accusation of stealing N13,500.

The deceased, Chinedu Christogonus (also identified as Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus), was a 100-level Cyber Security student at FUTO. He reportedly died on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after he was allegedly restrained and subjected to severe assault by members of the paramilitary campus security group. The incident has sparked widespread outrage on the campus, with angry students reportedly going on a rampage, burning buildings and destroying property within the university. In a viral video circulating on social media, students were seen in large numbers demanding justice for their slain colleague, systematically demolishing Man O’ War signposts and perimeter fixtures, and setting several structures on fire.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that Christogonus was allegedly assaulted by some Man O’ War members after he was accused of stealing N13,500. Okoye identified the suspects arrested in connection with the incident as Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21; Kelechi Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all of whom are 500-level students of FUTO. According to the police, initial findings indicated that the deceased was allegedly restrained and subjected to severe assault, resulting in critical injuries. “He was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” the statement read.

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Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso, immediately directed operatives to take swift action, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspects. Relevant evidence has been secured, while the corpse has been deposited in the morgue for preservation and autopsy. To ensure a thorough, professional, and discreet investigation, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for comprehensive investigation. He further directed that all persons connected to the incident be identified and investigated, with a view to ensuring that justice is served. “The Commissioner of Police assures the family of the deceased, the university community, and members of the public that the command is fully on top of the situation and remains committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death. He emphasizes that no individual, regardless of status, will be shielded from the law if found culpable,” the police statement read.

According to multiple reports, the tragic incident began on Friday night, May 29, 2026, when Christogonus was arrested by members of the Man O’ War organisation over an accusation of theft. The FUTO Association of Campus Journalists described the incident as one of the darkest moments in the institution’s history. According to the union, Christogonus was serving as the aide-de-camp (ADC) to the commander of the cadet organisation on the campus, noting that the incident stemmed from an internal dispute within the paramilitary group. “Accounts surrounding the origin of the dispute remain conflicting,” the union’s statement read. “While some sources allege that Chinedu was accused of stealing N13,500 belonging to the commander, Benedict, others maintain that the issue stemmed from an alleged debt of N13,000. Regardless of the differing accounts, multiple sources claim that Chinedu was subjected to hours of severe assault and punishment that reportedly lasted between five and six hours.” Witnesses alleged that the beating continued deep into the night, with the student enduring repeated physical abuse at the hands of fellow members of the organisation. Several students pleaded for his release, but their pleas were ignored until he allegedly died as a result of the torture.

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The news of his death sparked immediate outrage and a swift retaliatory onslaught from the student body. The confirmation of the freshman’s death turned the university campus into a battlefield as thousands of enraged students mobilised in solidarity. In one video clip, a thick crowd of students can be seen utilizing clubs and heavy stones to completely demolish the signpost and perimeter fixtures of the paramilitary organization. Another video reveals a much more dangerous escalation, showing desperate students setting several structures on fire. Plumes of thick, dark smoke can be seen billowing heavily over university buildings, forcing lecturers and administrators to flee the campus for safety. It was gathered that C.E. Orji, dean of student affairs, and Christopher Bukas, president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) , made efforts to engage the protesters. However, the students declined to back down, insisting that nothing short of the complete dissolution of the Man O’ War unit would satisfy their demand for justice.

“The boy was brutally beaten just because of an unverified accusation that he stole N13,000,” a distraught student leader told SaharaReporters. “Instead of handing him over to the university’s official security unit or the Nigeria Police for proper investigation, these Man O’ War elements locked him up and beat him like an animal until he died. This is pure murder, and we will not allow it to be swept under the rug.” Speaking to TheCable, Nduka Victory, the SUG public relations officer (PRO) , said the university had placed an indefinite ban on Man O’ War activities on the campus in a bid to calm the rising tension.

The tragic incident has renewed intense debates regarding the high-handed operations of quasi-security and volunteer paramilitary groups across Nigerian university campuses. Students have routinely complained that bodies like the Man O’ War, cadet units, and local campus vigilantes often operate outside the law, using torture, arbitrary detentions, and raw physical violence to extort and terrorize students under the guise of enforcing campus discipline. The destruction of the base at FUTO represents a total rejection of these parallel security structures by the student body.

The police command appealed to students and members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its course, reiterating the command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice. As of the time of this report, the three suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue. The corpse of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue pending autopsy.