Take-It-Back Movement Seeks Justice for Female Officer Unjustly Dismissed After Reporting Police Rape Case
The Take-It-Back Movement, a prominent pro-democracy group, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding a review of the case of Edith Uduma, a female officer who was dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force after reporting a rape incident involving a fellow officer at the Ibie Police Station in Edo State.
The petition, titled “Petition for Review and Reinstatement, Unjust Dismissal From Nigeria Police Force,” was signed by Agena Robert Ande, the FCT Coordinator for the Take-It-Back Movement.
The petition, which was officially submitted to the Inspector-General of Police and copied to various organizations including the Police Service Commission and the National Human Rights Commission, calls for a thorough investigation into the unjust dismissal of Edith Uduma and the reduction in rank of her husband, Inspector Ibrahim Muhammad.
The Take-It-Back Movement’s petition outlines how, on October 7, 2024, Edith Uduma, while serving as Charge Room Officer on night duty, discovered that Sergeant Abraham Ozuobor allegedly raped a minor suspect at the police station. Instead of being commended for exposing the crime, Uduma found herself dismissed from the force, while her husband was arrested and detained.
“We humbly submit this petition to seek your intervention in the gross injustice perpetrated against Mrs. Edith Uduma and her husband (Mahhamed Ibrahim) with Force No.: AP/NO 228652 by the Edo State Police Command,” the petition reads.
It continues: “Her dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force and the deduction of the rank of her husband from Inspector to Corporal was unjust, and we request a thorough review of her case.”
The petition highlights that Edith Uduma was accused of attempting to extort money from Sergeant Ozuobor while also being falsely implicated in conspiring to rape the minor. Despite the lack of a thorough investigation or fair hearing, the police authorities in Edo State dismissed her from service.
The Take-It-Back Movement also accused the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the station, SP Osemwegie Lilian, of obstructing the investigation and protecting Sergeant Ozuobor. The movement claims that Lilian’s actions undermined the integrity of the police force and led to threats and harassment against Uduma by other officers.
“This is a clear case of a cover-up,” said Agena Robert Ande, FCT Coordinator for Take-It-Back. “Instead of taking action against the officer who committed such a heinous crime, they decided to punish the officer who reported it.”
The petition also calls for a reinvestigation of the rape allegations against Sergeant Ozuobor, the reversal of Edith Uduma’s dismissal, and the release of her husband from detention, with his rank restored.
“We demand disciplinary action against DPO SP Osemwegie Lilian and other implicated officers,” the petition states. “We also seek protection for Mrs. Uduma from further harassment and threats, as well as compensation for the emotional distress caused by her unjust dismissal.”
The Take-It-Back Movement has also called on the Police Service Commission, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and other stakeholders to take action and ensure that justice is served.
SaharaReporters, in its coverage, had earlier reported that Edith Uduma was dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force after she reported the rape case involving Sergeant Ozuobor. Police authorities in Edo State had claimed that Uduma failed to report the case and accused her of soliciting bribes from the accused officer.
However, Edith Uduma has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and witnesses who spoke to SaharaReporters corroborated her claims of innocence. Despite this, the police in Edo State have maintained that she is guilty of the allegations.
“This is not just about one officer,” Ande continued. “This is about a system that punishes those who try to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable.”
The case has drawn widespread attention from both human rights groups and members of the public who are outraged by the actions of the police in Edo State. Many believe the case is a clear example of corruption and cover-ups within the police force, where officers who report crimes are punished instead of being supported.
Several women’s rights organizations have expressed concern over the treatment of Edith Uduma, calling it a violation of her rights as a police officer and a woman.
“We cannot continue to allow these kinds of injustices to happen,” said a spokesperson for one such organization. “Edith Uduma took a brave step to report a crime within the police force, and instead of being rewarded for her courage, she was punished.”
The Take-It-Back Movement has vowed to continue pushing for justice for Edith Uduma and her husband, insisting that their case represents a much larger issue of corruption and injustice within the Nigerian police system.
The group has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to act swiftly to address the case, emphasizing the importance of restoring public trust in the police force and ensuring that officers who report crimes are not punished for doing their duty.
As the petition makes its way through official channels, all eyes are on the Nigerian police leadership to see whether they will take action to investigate the allegations against Sergeant Ozuobor and restore justice for Edith Uduma.
