The Nigeria Police Force has defended its decision to dismiss former police Inspector Edith Uduma, citing her alleged gross misconduct and complicity in a case involving the assault of a 17-year-old female suspect by Sergeant Abraham Uzuobo.
The dismissal has, however, sparked allegations of bias and a failure to address key aspects of the case.
In a statement, the police headquarters claimed that the Edo State Police Command conducted a thorough investigation before reaching its decision. However, there was no indication that the Force independently reviewed the case, despite allegations of complicity and foul play within the Edo Command.
The incident came to public attention after a viral video surfaced showing allegations of a police sergeant assaulting a female suspect at Ibie Police Station on October 7, 2024. The police claim that Sgt. Uzuobo removed the victim from her cell and attempted to assault her in an unoccupied office. Uduma, the Charge Room Officer (CRO) on duty at the time, was accused of failing to report the incident promptly.
The police further alleged that Uduma only reported the case after unsuccessfully attempting to extort ₦1 million from Uzuobo. However, witnesses, including the station officer, have refuted these claims, stating that Uduma reported the incident immediately after it occurred.
Metroblog learned that the dismissed officer’s ordeal has been compounded by the disappearance of her 14-year-old daughter, Goodness Ibrahim. The teenager reportedly went out to purchase food but has not returned. This occurred days after the Auchi Area Commander allegedly threatened Uduma’s family.
The police, instead of addressing the missing child or allegations against Uzuobo, accused Uduma of tarnishing the reputation of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the entire police force by publicly asserting her innocence.
Uduma maintains her dismissal was a targeted act of retaliation after she refused to “kill” the case as instructed by her Divisional Police Officer. She stated, “I am being punished for standing up for justice, and now my family is paying the price.”
Human rights organizations, including the Take-It-Back Movement, have called for an independent review of the case. The group has petitioned the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General’s Office, and the National Human Rights Commission, demanding a fair reassessment of Uduma’s dismissal and urgent action regarding her missing daughter.
Critics argue that the case highlights systemic flaws in the police’s internal processes and raises concerns about accountability. Public pressure continues to mount as the case unfolds.
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