A Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Osemwegie Lilian, at the South Ibie Police Station, Auchi, has been accused of shielding a police officer, Sergeant Abraham Ozuobor, who allegedly assaulted a 17-year-old girl in Edo State.
Reports indicate that Sergeant Ozuobor, working closely with the DPO, had significant influence over her operations. It is alleged that SP Lilian attempted to protect him due to her impending retirement this month.
Inspector Edith Uduma, in a statement to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, detailed how she found Sergeant Ozuobor in a compromising position with the teenager, who had been detained for allegedly stealing a mobile phone.
Read Also: University of Africa Toru-Orua (UAT) Recruitment 2024: Academic and Non-Teaching Positions Now Open
On October 7, 2024, Inspector Edith, serving as the Charge Room Officer (CRO) during her night shift, recounted that Sergeant Ozuobor requested access to the cell key. She instructed the cell guard, Constable Moses Ogedengbe, to comply with his request. However, both officers failed to return the key promptly, which raised concerns.
“I inquired from Constable Moses about the key’s whereabouts, and he stated that it was still with Sergeant Ozuobor, who was supposedly taking a statement from a suspect,” Inspector Edith reported. “After a prolonged wait of over 30 minutes, I began searching for him.”
Inspector Edith noted that she checked various offices and found the admin office unlocked, despite it usually being secured. Upon entering, she discovered Sergeant Ozuobor partially undressed and the young detainee lying unconscious on a chair. The inspector recorded a video of the scene as evidence.
She tried reaching out to the DPO but was unable to connect. Instead, she contacted the Station Officer (SO), Adamu Ishaku, who arrived at the station later that night. Inspector Edith stated that the SO instructed her to return the girl to her cell and promised to inform the DPO the following morning.
Inspector Edith alleged that when the DPO, SP Lilian, was informed of the situation, she reacted angrily and confronted her. According to Edith, the DPO attempted to dissuade her from reporting the incident, warning her that it could jeopardize both Sergeant Ozuobor’s career and her own.
“The DPO asked me what I hoped to gain by reporting Abraham. She told me not to proceed with the complaint, but I refused,” Edith recounted. “She then threatened that if Abraham were dismissed, she would ensure I faced repercussions as well.”
Inspector Edith further claimed that the DPO ordered the immediate release of the teenage girl, seemingly to avoid further complications with the victim’s family.
The matter was escalated to the Area Commander, who summoned everyone involved, including the DPO, to his office. After reviewing their statements, the Area Commander directed the detention of Sergeant Ozuobor and ordered that all officers, including the DPO, submit written statements.
Inspector Edith shared that during the meeting, SP Lilian reportedly pleaded with the Area Commander to drop the case, expressing concern about her upcoming retirement.
The case eventually caught the attention of higher authorities, and the Commissioner of Police (CP) was notified. Following further investigation by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), SP Lilian was criticized for failing to detain Sergeant Ozuobor immediately after the incident.
Inspector Edith expressed shock at her DPO’s actions, stating that instead of condemning the misconduct, the DPO seemed intent on covering it up. She claimed that the DPO accused her of attempting to extort money from Sergeant Ozuobor, which she vehemently denied.
The Edo State Police Command, following an internal investigation, confirmed disciplinary actions against the officers involved. Inspector Edith Uduma and Sergeant Abraham Ozuobor were both dismissed for misconduct. Additionally, Inspector Ibrahim Mohammed, Edith’s husband, was demoted for his alleged involvement in attempts to conceal the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, issued a statement detailing the disciplinary measures taken, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional standards within the force.
According to the statement, “The officers involved breached the Nigeria Police Force’s Standard Operating Procedures. Their actions warranted strict disciplinary measures to uphold the integrity of the police service.”
Yamu noted that the officers faced an orderly room trial, leading to their dismissal. He stressed that the command remains committed to addressing any form of misconduct by its personnel.
WATCH: How @PoliceNG Authorities Tried To Protect Officer Who Raped Minor, Quickly Punished Female Officer For Exposing Randy Officer pic.twitter.com/KfRsiu98dm
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) November 14, 2024
The incident has sparked public outcry, with calls for thorough investigations and justice for the victim.
