The Rule of Law And Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Imo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of collusion by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Ezinihitte Mbaise Divisional Police Headquarters in Imo State, Essiet Onuimo. The accusations suggest that the DPO aided criminal suspects to obstruct justice and evade accountability for alleged crimes, including rape.
RULAAC, represented by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, made this demand in a statement addressed to SaharaReporters. According to RULAAC, there have been reports of collusion between the DPO, Essiet Onuimo, and criminal suspects to impede investigations into serious crimes, including defilement and assault.
The allegations stem from an incident in December 2023, when a minor was reportedly gang-raped by three men in Adakam Amumara community, Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. Despite the crime being reported to the Ezinihitte Mbaise Divisional Police Headquarters, the DPO, along with his team, allegedly failed to take decisive action to apprehend the suspects.
RULAAC further accused the DPO of unprofessional conduct and abuse of police powers, highlighting instances where the DPO allegedly obstructed investigations and influenced the handling of criminal cases. The statement also raised concerns about the DPO's purported involvement in coercing suspects to file false counter petitions against their accusers, thereby impeding the course of justice.
The Centre urged the Imo State Commissioner of Police to intervene and ensure that a comprehensive investigation is conducted into the allegations against the DPO. Additionally, RULAAC called for swift disciplinary actions against any police officer found culpable of misconduct or collusion with criminal elements.
SaharaReporters reached out to the Imo State Police Command for comment but did not receive a response. Similarly, attempts to contact the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Zone 9 Umuahia, Echeng Echeng, were unsuccessful. However, RULAAC confirmed that they had engaged with the AIG, who subsequently ordered the release of a complainant involved in the case.
As the allegations continue to unfold, stakeholders await the outcome of the investigation, hoping for accountability and justice to prevail in the pursuit of upholding the rule of law.
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