The Edo State Ministry of Justice has stepped in to address the controversial dismissal of Inspector Edith Uduma, a female police officer who reported the attempted rape of a minor by her male colleague.
Charity Chris-Obosele, a director at the ministry, confirmed the intervention on Wednesday.
“We are reviewing the circumstances surrounding this case,” Chris-Obosele stated.
Uduma’s dismissal has sparked outrage after she exposed the misconduct of Sergeant Abraham Uzuobo, who allegedly attempted to rape a 17-year-old girl inside the Ibie Police Station on October 7, 2024.
The incident became public after a viral video circulated on social media, showing the aftermath of the alleged assault.
A press release from the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday defended Uduma’s dismissal.
The statement, signed by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, cited “gross misconduct and complicity” as reasons for her removal.
“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its justification for the dismissal of former Inspector Edith Uduma,” Adejobi wrote.
The police insist that their investigation, led by the Edo State Police Command, concluded that Uduma failed to report the incident promptly.
They allege she only acted after her attempt to extort ₦1 million from the accused officer failed.
However, multiple witnesses, including the station officer at Ibie Police Station, have contradicted the police narrative.
Sources close to the case claim Uduma immediately informed her superiors but faced resistance.
SaharaReporters learned that Uduma’s dismissal may be part of a broader scheme to silence her for refusing to “kill the case” on orders from higher-ups.
Adding to the controversy is the disappearance of Uduma’s 14-year-old daughter, Goodness Ibrahim, who went missing after allegedly receiving threats from police officials.
Goodness reportedly left home to buy food but never returned.
Uduma’s family believes her daughter’s disappearance is linked to the case.
“The Auchi area commander threatened us. Now, my daughter is missing,” Uduma lamented.
Despite her ordeal, Uduma remains adamant about her innocence.
“I did my duty. I will not be intimidated for standing up for justice,” she said.
Civil rights organizations have rallied behind Uduma, demanding an independent review of the case.
The Take-It-Back Movement has petitioned the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General’s Office, and the National Human Rights Commission to investigate the alleged miscarriage of justice.
Activists have condemned the police’s handling of the case, accusing them of victim-blaming and shielding the accused officer.
“The dismissal of Uduma is a clear attempt to punish a whistleblower,” one activist stated.
The police force’s response has also faced criticism for failing to address Uduma’s missing daughter.
Instead, the police accused Uduma of tarnishing the image of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“This is not just about one officer; it’s about the integrity of the entire police force,” a legal analyst remarked.
As the Edo State Ministry of Justice begins its inquiry, public pressure continues to mount.
Many Nigerians are calling for justice for both Uduma and the teenage victim.
“The police should protect citizens, not cover up crimes within their ranks,” a concerned citizen said.
