The police in Imo State are conducting an investigation into a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for neglecting to report a rape case to the state police headquarters. Officers under the DPO’s command are also under scrutiny in connection with the same case. The disclosure was made by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force spokesperson, via his X handle (formerly Twitter).
The incident in question involves the alleged gang rape of a 20-year-old woman in Owerri, Imo State, between November 18 and 19. Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, revealed that the DPO in question oversees the Orji Police Division in Owerri, where the rape case was initially reported.
Adejobi emphasized that both the DPO and the officers implicated in the case are currently under investigation, and appropriate actions will be taken. However, he did not disclose the names of the individuals involved.
The police spokesperson expressed concern over the unprofessional handling of the case at the divisional level, noting that the state Commissioner of Police had intended to take action on Tuesday but was diverted due to the killing of two police officers in the state.
Adejobi clarified that cases such as rape, armed robbery, and murder are typically handled at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) or the Force CID, rather than at police divisions.
Assuring that justice will prevail in the rape case, Adejobi stated that no reasonable officer or institution would support or cover such incidents. Meanwhile, Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo State, characterized the reported escape of one of the suspects from the Orji Police Division as “shameful.” He responded to a claim by a user (@PIDOMNIGERIA) that the suspect, identified as Ihee Andrew, had escaped from the detention facility of the Orji Police Division.
