…Calls for disciplinary action by PSC
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned the alleged defilement of a nine-year-old girl (name withheld) by a 60-year-old man, Mr. Azuagu, at Amainyi Autonomous Community in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.
The organisation also expressed outrage over the alleged role played by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in obstructing justice in the case.
RULAAC’s Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, in a statement, said the group received “credible reports that police officers at both the Isinweke Police Division and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Owerri, compromised the investigation by releasing the suspect and falsely declaring that the matter had been settled.”
He called on the police authorities and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to immediately investigate the incident and sanction any officer found culpable.
Part of the statement read: “This outrageous conduct by officers entrusted with protecting citizens—especially vulnerable children—constitutes a clear case of obstruction of justice and a gross violation of the Child’s Rights Act, the VAPP Act, and the Criminal Code, all of which classify defilement as a non-compoundable felony punishable by life imprisonment.”
On the alleged police complicity, RULAAC stated that the matter was first reported to community authorities on October 24, 2025, before being taken to the police.
“Following concerns about compromise at the Isinweke Police Division, the matter was escalated to the Imo State Police Headquarters, which transferred it to SCID Owerri.
“At SCID, the IPO (name withheld), of the Quick Response Team, repeatedly refused to respond to calls or messages from the complainants.
“Representatives of the victim’s family and the Traditional Ruler were later told at SCID that the case had been ‘settled’ and the suspect released—an action that has no basis in law.
“These actions, if confirmed, amount to gross misconduct, dereliction of duty, and deliberate collusion with a suspected sexual offender.”
RULAAC urged the PSC to immediately investigate all officers involved at the Isinweke Division and SCID Owerri, and to discipline anyone who compromised or obstructed justice.
The group also demanded the rearrest and prosecution of the suspect; and called for immediate protection, medical care, and psychosocial support for the survivor.
It further urged the PSC to restore public confidence by demonstrating zero tolerance for sexual offences and police corruption.
“The handling of this case is a tragic reflection of a wider pattern where police corruption enables sexual predators, undermines public trust, and leaves child survivors traumatised and unprotected.
“Nigeria cannot claim to uphold the rule of law while children are violated and their abusers shielded by those sworn to enforce the law.
“RULAAC insists that this case must not be swept under the carpet. The PSC must act decisively and transparently.”
