Rights group, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised alarm over what it described as a deeply troubling case involving the alleged defilement of a 9-year-old child, Miss Nmesoma Chiwike, by 60-year-old Mr. Okechukwu Azuagu, a resident of Amainyi Autonomous Community, Ihitte/Uboma LGA, Imo State.
The group is worried about a credible allegation that Police officers at both the Isinweke Police Division and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, have compromised the case, resulting in the release of the suspect and the wrongful claim that the matter has been settled.
In a petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 9 Police Headquarters, Umuahia, Abia State, the group said the alleged conduct by police operatives constitutes obstruction of justice in a case involving defilement, a non-compoundable felony.
In October 24, 2025, the Chairman of Omulo Village, Chief Ikechukwu Ikwunze, had reported the defilement case to the Traditional Ruler of Amainyi community, Eze Pharm. Emeka Ogbonna, who advised against mob action and instructed that the case be immediately reported to the Police.
It was gathered that the matter was duly reported at the Isinweke Police Division, but shortly after, the community began hearing allegations that some officers there were attempting to compromise the case.
Concerned about these allegations, the Traditional Ruler reportedly contacted FIDA Imo State, who then notified the PPRO, Imo State Command, and the State Command ordered that the suspect and case file be transferred to the SCID Owerri for proper investigation.
According to sources in the community, upon transfer to SCID, the IPO in charge of the case, identified as Kings David of Quick Response Team with phone number: 08032209087, consistently refused to answer calls and did not respond to messages from the Traditional Ruler.
After several days of silence, the Traditional Ruler sent a messenger to the SCID, but was informed that the case had been “settled”, the suspect had been released, and the victim’s parents had allegedly agreed not to pursue the matter further.
Alarmed by this compromise, the Traditional Ruler engaged a lawyer, Barr. Onuoha, to submit a petition to the AIG Zone 9’s office, after which the Zonal command’s officers have interviewed the complainant, yet no action has been taken, while the suspect remains free.
According the petition to the AIG, signed by RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, under the Child’s Rights Act (CRA), Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), Criminal Code, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, defilement of a child is a felony, non-compoundable, and punishable by life imprisonment.
He insisted that it is a crime against the State, not the family, and as such, no family member, community leader, or Police officer has the legal authority to “settle” or discontinue such a case.
The group urged the AIG to order a fresh, and impartial Investigation outside the compromised operatives, rearrest the suspect, Mr. Okechukwu Azuagu and ensure his prompt prosecution in accordance with the law.
Nwanguma also called for adequate securing of all evidence including medical reports, witness statements, and community records, adding that the conduct of the operatives at the Isinweke Division and SCID Owerri should be investigated and anyone found to have compromised or obstructed justice must be disciplined as required by law.
“The welfare and protection of the 9-year-old survivor must remain paramount, in line with national and international child protection standards.
“This case has shocked the community of Amainyi Autonomous Community and eroded public confidence in the ability of the Police to protect children from sexual predators. The inaction and alleged compromise by officers have created a serious moral and legal crisis.
“We trust that your office will act with urgency, impartiality, and integrity,” the petition addressed the AIG.
