Imo Police Criticized for Mishandling Case of Defiled 9-Year-Old

Owerri, December 12, 2025 – Some officers in Imo State have been accused of obstructing justice in the alleged defilement of a 9-year-old girl, Nmesoma Chiwike, by a 60-year-old man, Okechukwu Azuagu.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) made the allegation in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the conduct of officers at Isinweke Police Division and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, as “outrageous, unlawful and a gross betrayal of public trust.”

RULAAC said that despite initial reports made to community authorities on October 24, 2025, and subsequent escalation to the police, officers allegedly released the suspect and informed the victim’s family that “the matter has been settled.”

Investigations by RULAAC revealed that the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) assigned to the case at SCID, identified as Kings David of the Quick Response Team, repeatedly declined to respond to calls or messages from the complainants.

“Police officers entrusted with protecting citizens, especially vulnerable children, cannot turn around to shield an alleged sexual offender,” RULAAC said, describing the actions as a clear case of obstruction of justice and a gross violation of the Child’s Rights Act, VAPP Act, and Criminal Code.

The organisation emphasised that defilement is a non-compoundable felony punishable by life imprisonment and therefore cannot be “settled” under any circumstances.

RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, expressed deep concern, noting that the case reflects a wider pattern of police corruption in handling sexual violence cases.

“This is a tragic reflection of a wider pattern where police corruption enables sexual predators, undermines public trust and leaves child survivors traumatised and unprotected,” Nwanguma said.

The group has called on the Police Service Commission (PSC) to take decisive action, including:

• Investigating all officers involved at Isinweke Division and SCID Owerri

• Disciplining and sanctioning any officer found culpable

• Ordering the rearrest and prosecution of the suspect, Okechukwu Azuagu

• Ensuring adequate protection, medical care, and psychosocial support for the survivor

Nwanguma stressed that the PSC must act transparently and decisively, insisting that the case must not be swept under the carpet.

“The safety of children across Nigeria depends on the ability of the justice system to handle such cases with integrity and seriousness,” he added.