The Take-It-Back Movement has petitioned Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, demanding justice for a female police officer, Edith Uduma, who was reportedly dismissed unjustly for reporting a rape case involving a minor at the Ibie Police station in Edo State.
The Take-It-Back Movement’s Abuja branch submitted the petition on behalf of Edith Uduma, the female police officer unjustly dismissed for reporting a rape case involving a minor at the Ibie Police station in Edo State.
The petition, titled “Petition For Review and Reinstatement, Unjust Dismissal From Nigeria Police Force,” calls for a review of Uduma’s case and her reinstatement in the force. Signed by Agena Robert Ande, the FCT Coordinator for the Take-It-Back Movement, the petition raises concerns about police accountability, the protection of whistleblowers, and the implications of Uduma’s dismissal. The movement demand that authorities take prompt action to ensure justice for Uduma and address the underlying issues surrounding her case.
Copies of the petition have been delivered to the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Force Disciplinary Committee, the Edo State Governors’ Office, and the office of the Senator representing Ebonyi Central.
“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.”
“Her dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force and the deduction of the rank of her husband from (Inspector to CPL) was unjust, and we request a thorough review of her case.”the petition reads in part.
Narrating the incidents the led to the development, the Take-It-Back Movement noted that on October 7, 2024, while Edith was on night duty as Charge Room Officer, she discovered a Sergeant, Abraham Ozuobor allegedly raped a minor suspect.
“Instead of commending her actions, she was dismissed, and her husband, Inspector Ibrahim Muhammad, was arrested and detained.” the movement noted.
The petition noted that Edith was unjustly dismissed without thorough investigation or fair hearing.
It was also stated that she was accused of falsely attempting to extort money from Sergeant Abraham Ozuobor while conspiring to rape the minor.
The Divisional Police Officer of the station, SP Osemwegie Lilian’s was also accused of “hindering investigations and protected the perpetrator of the rape.”
Other issues noted are “threats and harassment of Edith from the Divisional Police officer, Osemwegie Lilian and other officers.”
It was also noted that the divisional police officer actions compromised the integrity of the police force.
The Take-It-Back Movement sought “Reinvestigation of the allegations against Sergeant Ozuobor.”
“Review and reversal of her dismissal and Release of her husband, Inspector Ibrahim Muhammad, while replacing him to his former rank.”
Others included; “Disciplinary action against DPO SP Osemwegie Lilian and other implicated officers. Protection from further harassment and threats.”
They also demanded compensation for unjust dismissal and emotional distress caused Edith Uduma.
SaharaReporters previously reported on the case. The police authorities claimed that Uduma failed to report the case and accused her of soliciting and accepting bribes from Ozuobor.
Despite Uduma’s consistent denials of wrongdoing and witness accounts corroborating her claims, the police authorities in Edo State maintain that she is guilty even as witnesses who spoke to SaharaReporters also corroborated her claims. However, the police authorities in Edo State insist she is guilty of the allegation.
Credit: Saharareporters
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