RULAAC faults Imo Police for botched probe in 9-year-old’s defilement case, calls for urgent PSC review

Stanley Ihedigbo

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed deep shock and outrage over the alleged defilement of a 9-year-old girl, Miss Nmesoma Chiwike, by a 60-year-old man, Mr. Okechukwu Azuagu, in Amainyi Autonomous Community, Ihitte/Uboma LGA of Imo State, and the disturbing role allegedly played by police officers in suppressing justice.

According to the group’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC 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 has been settled.”

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.

The case was first reported to community authorities on October 24, 2025, before being formally 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, identified as Kings David of the Quick Response Team (Phone: 08032209087), repeatedly refused to respond to calls or messages from the complainants.

Representatives of the victim’s family and the Traditional Ruler were later informed 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 calls on the Police Service Commission (PSC) to immediately, investigate all officers involved at Isinweke Division and SCID Owerri, discipline and sanction any officer found to have compromised or obstructed justice, order the rearrest and prosecution of the suspect, Mr. Okechukwu Azuagu, ensure protection, medical care, and psychosocial support for the survivor; and 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 and urges the PSC to act decisively and transparently.