The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its justification for the dismissal of a former Police Inspector, Edith Uduma, saying that she was dismissed for her act of gross misconduct and complicity surrounding the alleged rape of a 17-year-old female suspect by one Abraham Uzuobo.
It will be recalled that a video that went viral on social media showed a Police Sergeant, half naked, who was alleged to have raped a female suspect in the station on October 7, 2024.
Former Inspector Uduma was said to have been the Charge Room Officer (CRO) on duty, and the video emerged online a week following the occurrence.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that a thorough investigation into the matter conducted by the Edo State Police Command uncovered that the Police Sergeant, identified as Sgt Abraham Uzuobo, had removed the victim from the cell and taken her to an unoccupied office, where he attempted to engage in sexual acts with her.
Thenewsbearer learnt that during the act, Uduma had walked in and recorded it, but thereafter took advantage of the situation to enrich herself, instead of making a documented entry on the matter immediately in the Incident Record of the police station which was under her charge and reporting it to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for disciplinary actions to be initiated against the erring officer.
The female Inspector was said to have called her husband, Ibrahim Mohammed, who also an Inspector, and both of them conspired to unlawfully demand N1 million from the Sergeant to assist him in concealing the matter.
However, the Sergeant offered only N45,000 in cash which they collected instantly, but after a few days, they contacted the Sergeant again, requesting for N1 million, to which the Sergeant refused to comply.
Dissatisfied by his refusal to agree with the blackmail, the couple decided to report the erring officer to the DPO and also simultaneously share the video on social media.
The FPRO said in the statement: “Everyone culpable in this case has been sanctioned appropriately, as there is no intention to impede justice.
“The erring Sergeant has been dismissed and prosecuted and is currently in prison custody as the trial progresses.
“Inspector Edith Uduma was also dismissed for her role, while her complicit husband has been reduced to the rank of Sergeant.
“However, it has come to the attention of the Force that following her dismissal, Mrs Edith has made numerous unfounded claims regarding her innocence and has sought to taint the reputation and integrity of the adjudicating authority, the Inspector-General of Police in person, and the entire Police Force.
“It is imperative to set the record straight and provide clear context regarding her actions and the decision to dismiss her from service.
“The dismissal of former Police Inspector Edith Uduma was not only justified but necessary, based on thorough investigations that presented irrefutable evidence of her failure to follow standard incident report protocol to immediately document the incident, attempt to conceal an offender for benefit, participation in extortion and manipulating the justice process for personal gain.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., stands firmly against any form of misconduct, particularly in cases of such grave nature involving vulnerable victims.
“The Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, blackmail, and any behavior that seeks to pervert the cause of justice.
“The actions of the dismissed officer were in direct violation of the values and standards upheld by the Nigeria Police Force, and other extant laws of Nigeria.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to transparency and accountability. The Force remains resolute in its mission to uphold the law and protect the rights of all individuals.
“We urge members of the public to disregard the sponsored publications against the stance of the Force, and remain vigilant and support legitimate initiatives aimed at achieving justice, rather than being led astray by baseless claims from those seeking to deflect responsibility for their actions.”
