Our Reporter, Abuja
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed deep concern over the disappearance of 13-year-old Joel Ozaveshe Odimboro, who has been missing since May 2025 while in the custody of his father, Mr. Taiye Odimboro.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, on Friday, RULAAC accused the police of complicity, delays, and cover-up in the handling of the case, warning that the boy’s life may be in grave danger.
The group recalled that Mr. Odimboro had signed a written undertaking to produce the child on or before June 30, 2025, but failed to do so. Instead, he allegedly filed counter-petitions and leveled “spurious allegations” against the mother—actions RULAAC described as diversionary tactics to evade accountability.
According to the statement, efforts to trace Joel have been obstructed by Mr. Odimboro’s refusal to disclose his address or publicize the disappearance, raising fears of foul play.
RULAAC further alleged that a directive by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 2, Lagos, for the case file to be transferred from Ajuwon Police Division in Ogun State to Zone 2, has been stalled under questionable excuses, including claims of “lack of signal.” The rights group described this as “a disturbing indication of protection and complicity.”
“The complainant’s family credibly reports that influential individuals are working to shield Mr. Odimboro from accountability and to frustrate police action,” the statement added.
RULAAC warned that “every day without a credible, independent investigation endangers Joel’s life and deepens the anguish of his mother and stepfather.”
The group therefore called on the AIG, Zone 2, to enforce his directive and ensure a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation, including arrest and prosecution where necessary.
It also urged the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to independently investigate the case and sanction any police officers found to have compromised or obstructed justice.
RULAAC further appealed to civil society, human rights groups, and the media to amplify the case to prevent it from being “killed by delay, cover-up, and manipulation.”
“The disappearance of a child is not a routine case—it is an emergency. It demands decisive, transparent, and professional action from the police, not foot-dragging or power play,” Nwanguma stated.
RULAAC pledged to stand with the family of the missing child until the truth is uncovered and justice served.
