Police shielding 60-year-old man who allegedly defiled 9-year-old girl in Imo — RULAAC

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC is raising a serious alarm over a deeply disturbing case involving the alleged defilement of a 9-year-old girl, Miss Nmesoma Chiwike, by a 60-year-old man, Mr. Okechukwu Azuagu, a resident of Amainyi Autonomous Community in Ihitte/Uboma LGA, Imo State.

We are particularly concerned about credible allegations that police officers at both the Isinweke Police Division and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, have compromised the case, resulting in the unlawful release of the suspect and a false claim that the matter has been “settled.”

In our petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 9, Umuahia, we made it clear that the conduct of these police operatives amounts to obstruction of justice in a case involving defilement—a non-compoundable felony.

The incident was first reported on October 24, 2025, when the Chairman of Omulo Village, Chief Ikechukwu Ikwunze, informed the Traditional Ruler of Amainyi Community, Eze Pharm. Emeka Ogbonna, about the alleged defilement. The Traditional Ruler, acting responsibly, advised against mob action and insisted that the matter be taken immediately to the police.

We gathered that the case was indeed reported at the Isinweke Police Division, but shortly afterwards, disturbing allegations surfaced: some officers were attempting to bury the case.

Alarmed by these rumours, the Traditional Ruler contacted FIDA Imo State, who then notified the PPRO of the Imo State Police Command. As a result, the State Command directed that both the suspect and the case file be transferred to SCID Owerri for proper investigation.

However, things deteriorated further. Upon transfer to SCID, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), identified as Kings David of the Quick Response Team, refused to answer calls or respond to messages from the Traditional Ruler.

After several days of silence, the Traditional Ruler sent a messenger to SCID, only to be told that the case had been “settled,” the suspect released, and that the victim’s parents had supposedly agreed to drop the case.

This was shocking and completely unlawful.

Deeply worried, the Traditional Ruler engaged a lawyer, Barr. Onuoha, to file a formal petition to the AIG Zone 9. Although officers from the Zonal Command have now interviewed the complainant, no further action has been taken, and Mr. Azuagu remains a free man.

In our petition, signed by the Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, we stressed that under the Child’s Rights Act (CRA), Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), Criminal Code, and the Constitution, child defilement is a felony punishable by life imprisonment.

It is a crime against the State, not a private matter. Therefore, neither family members, community leaders, nor police officers have any authority to “settle” or discontinue such a case.

We urged the AIG to:

• Order a fresh and impartial investigation free from the compromised officers

• Rearrest Mr. Okechukwu Azuagu

• Ensure his prompt prosecution

• Secure all evidence, including medical reports, witness statements, and community records

• Investigate the conduct of officers at the Isinweke Division and SCID Owerri

• Discipline any officer found to have compromised or obstructed justice

The welfare and protection of this 9-year-old survivor must remain a top priority, in line with both national and international child protection standards.

This incident has shaken the entire Amainyi community and has seriously damaged public trust in the ability of the Police to protect children from sexual violence. The alleged compromise and inaction by officers have created a profound moral and legal crisis.

RULAAC calls on the AIG to act with urgency, transparency, and absolute integrity to restore justice and restore public confidence.