In what appears to be a deeply troubling case of abuse of power and corruption within the Nigeria Police Force, a police officer stationed in Edo State is under investigation for the alleged sexual assault of a minor while she was in custody. The incident, which allegedly took place at the South-Ibie police division, involves Sergeant Abraham Uzuobo, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl held on suspicion of receiving stolen property.
According to multiple sources, including an internal report and testimony, the officer on duty at the time, the incident occurred under disturbing circumstances, and an alleged attempt to cover up the crime has been made by high-ranking officers within the force.
The Incident
On the night of October 6, 2024, Inspector Eduma, who was assigned night duty as the Chief Records Officer (CRO), reportedly noticed Sergeant Abraham Uzuobo inside the female detention cell. When questioned, Uzuobo claimed he was merely checking on a suspect. Unconvinced but adhering to protocol, Eduma collected the cell key from Uzuobo and continued her duties.
Eduma’s vigilance that night would later uncover a series of questionable actions. The next day, Uzuobo requested the key again, ostensibly to retrieve a suspect’s address. However, Eduma later discovered that Uzuobo had taken the minor detainee to an administrative office, where he was caught pants down with the underage victim. Upon finding the minor unconscious and Uzuobo in a compromising position, Eduma immediately documented the scene by recording a video. Her intention was clear—protecting herself from potential accusations or retaliation, especially considering previous experiences where she was blamed for incidents at the station.
Cover-Up Attempts and Bribery Allegations
Sources reveal series of troubling actions by senior officers to downplay or conceal the incident. Despite alerting her superiors immediately after discovering the crime, she was reportedly instructed not to share the video evidence. She was later informed that Uzuobo worked closely with the DPO, SP Osemwegie Lilian and other influential officers, which could explain the efforts to silence her.
Colleagues of the whistle blower officer told chronicles reporters how she was pressured to accept a bribe to keep the matter under wraps. Uzuobo allegedly offered her N45,000 as hush money, with additional demands for up to N1 million to prevent the circulation of the video online. The multiple sources also claimed the dpo refuse to report the case to the state command or commissioner until the video of the culpable sergeant Uzuobo went viral online. In a shocking turn of events, it appears her DPO was aware of these bribery attempts, allegedly advising Eduma to request the money to trap Edith, which she blatantly refused when offered.
In the aftermath, she was accused of extortion and sought to profit from the incident. The narrative was twisted, painting her as complicit rather than a whistleblower.
Retaliation and Threats
Chronicles Reporters correspondent was reliably informed by multiple sources who pled anonymity that inspector Eduma faces intimidation and threats from her the DPO, Osemwegie Lilian’ cabals. One eye witness said she was taunted and mocked as a new officer in Edo State who wants to ruffle feathers with the powers that be within Edo state police hierarchy. These remarks were followed by threats to frame her for allegedly posting the incriminating video online and must be ready to face dismissal if she did not alter her official and original statement. The colleagues, although afraid of the final outcome of the disciplinary unit, praised inspector Eduma for being undaunted and refused to succumb oppression. The situation escalated further, with the officers in support of the DPO and sergeant Uzuobo manipulating the timeline of events and spreading disinformation online claiming she is a blackmailer that wants to extort the paedophile policeman, Abraham Uzuobo.
Internal Police Response
Our sources at state command said Sergeant Abraham Uzuobo and Inspector Edith Eduma are currently undergoing internal disciplinary proceedings with strong recommendations of dismissal of inspector Edith by the DPO. Meanwhile it cant be verified as at press time if the alleged child molester is still in detention.
After reaching out to the family of the victim, Chronicles Reporters was informed the DPO, SP Osemwegie Lilian with sergeant Abraham on the 12th of October, secretly visited the family hosue to cajole the victim’s family (with mouth watering promises) to let her change statement and accuse inspector Edith of being a conspirator with sergeant Abraham Uzuobo. It is therefore to confirm if inspector Edith is free without intimidation or currently in detention. The insider sources at the police station and state command that spoke to our correspondent refuse to give the contact of inspector Edith as she has been officially gagged and not in nature of police to speak to press. All efforts to reach the police Edo State PPRO for official response proved abortive.
Conclusion
The allegations surrounding Sergeant Abraham Uzuobo and the subsequent cover-up attempts expose not just a singular case of abuse, but a wider culture of corruption and abuse of power within the police force. For Inspector Edith Eduma, her attempt to uphold accountability has resulted in intimidation and false accusations, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the system she serves.