EDO STATE SITUATIONAL REPORT FOR 12/10/2024: (1) REPORT OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT BY A POLICE OFFICER. SUPOL SOUTH-IBIE MINE REPORTS THAT ON 10/10/2024, AT 2100HRS, SGT. ABRAHAM UZUOBOR (F/NO. 504694) REMOVED A 17-YEAR-OLD FEMALE SUSPECT, AHMED ABDULLAHI, FROM THE CELL AND COMMITTED AN ACT OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE ADMIN OFFICE. THE CRO, W/INSPR EDITH EDUMA (AP/NO. 228719), DISCOVERED THE INCIDENT AND RECORDED EVIDENCE, BUT DECLINED TO REPORT TO THE DPO OR INCIDENT DUTY OFFICER, INSTEAD CONTACTING HER HUSBAND. TWO POLICEMEN COLLECTED N45,000 TO CONCEAL THE INCIDENT AND DEMANDED A FURTHER ONE MILLION NAIRA. BOTH OFFICERS ARE DETAINED AND FACING ORDERLY TRIALS AT AREA COMMAND.
More development,
*Overview of Offenses Committed/ Legal and Disciplinary Actions to be taken after analyzing the real life scenario above*
1. *Sexual Abuse/Rape*
- *Officer:* Sgt. Abraham Uzuobor
- *Relevant Laws:* Under Section 357 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, non-consensual carnal knowledge, especially involving a person in custody, is classified as rape. The consent of the detainee is irrelevant, as Sgt. Uzuobor was in a position of authority over her.
- *Punishment:* Rape is punishable under Section 358 with life imprisonment. Additionally, under the Nigeria Police Act and Regulations, such behavior is gross misconduct, resulting in dismissal and criminal prosecution.
2. *Conspiracy to Conceal a Crime*
- *Officers:* W/Insp Edith Eduma and her husband, along with two other officers
- *Relevant Laws:* Under Sections 97 and 126 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, conspiracy and perverting the course of justice by concealing a crime are serious offenses.
- *Punishment:* The concealment of an offense and conspiring to defeat justice can lead to imprisonment and, under the Police Act, dismissal from service.
3. *Bribery/Extortion and Demanding with Menace (Blackmail)*
- *Officer:* W/Insp Edith Eduma
- *Relevant Laws:* Section 406 of the Nigerian Criminal Code defines extortion and blackmail as criminal acts, particularly when done to demand money under threat. Additionally, Section 98 addresses public officers accepting bribes or money to conceal a crime.
- *Punishment:* Bribery and extortion are punishable by imprisonment. The Police Act also allows for severe disciplinary measures, including suspension, dismissal, and criminal prosecution for such offenses.
4. *Abuse of Police Powers and Misconduct*
- *All Involved Officers*
- *Relevant Laws:* Under the Nigeria Police Act and Regulations, the misuse of police authority to engage in criminal activities and failing to report or preventing misconduct is grounds for disciplinary action. Misconduct includes any act that brings the force into disrepute, breaches public trust, or involves unethical behavior.
- *Punishment:* The police officers involved are likely to face dismissal, fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense.
*Summary of Legal and Disciplinary Actions*
1. *Sgt. Abraham Uzuobor* faces charges of rape, abuse of authority, and possible life imprisonment. His actions warrant immediate dismissal from the police force following his trial.
2. *W/Insp Edith Eduma* and her accomplices are implicated in conspiracy, bribery, extortion, and blackmail. They could face imprisonment for extortion, be dismissed from the police force, and possibly be prosecuted for obstructing justice and failure to report a crime.
3. All officers are also subject to *disciplinary proceedings under the Nigeria Police Act*, which can include fines, imprisonment, and dismissal, based on the offenses they committed.
The combined actions of these officers represent gross misconduct and criminal behavior that violate both Nigerian criminal law and the ethical standards set forth by the Nigeria Police Force. *DETECTIVE CPL JOSEPH AMEH*
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