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Summary
Sergeant Ibrahim Uzuorbor raped a young girl at the police station after her arrest over a suspected crime. He was caught in the act by his colleague, Edith Eduma. However, the incidence did not reach public notice until Edith's partly failed blackmail.
Police officer Sergeant Ibrahim Uzuorbor of the Edo State Police Division reportedly raped a girl while interrogating her for a suspected crime. The 17-year-old suspect was detained for allegedly receiving stolen property. Ibrahim’s colleague Edith Eduma was said to have caught him with his trousers down as he sexually abused the suspect on a couch.
People familiar with the case told Naija Feminists Media that Edith contacted her husband and two other police officers, who decided to blackmail Ibrahim with the video evidence. Uzuobor paid the officers N45,000 to conceal the crime. Edith was said to call the sergeant again to pay an additional one million naira for further concealment. Upon Ibrahim’s refusal to comply, Edith posted the video on social media—her WhatsApp status—leading to public notice.
This incident immediately sparked outrage, with members of the public calling on the police authorities to take swift action. Consequently, the Edo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Joel Yamu, confirmed that Ibrahim, Edith, and other officers involved in the sexual assault and concealment of the crime are in custody.
“The erring officers involved in this unfortunate incident have been taken into custody. Their orderly room trial has also commenced in line with the Police SOP,” he said.
This shocking incident is not the first of its kind. In July 2024, another officer in Ogudu Police Command, SP Owolabi Akinlolu, was reported to have raped a minor who had come to the station to report a phone theft.
In response to these events, the Founder of DOHS Cares Foundation, Lolade Ajayi, has condemned the recurring incidents of sexual violence within police stations. She told Naija Feminists Media that the survivor had been taken to the hospital for medical attention.
“Women and girls are not safe in their homes, not safe on the streets, and now, in the one place where women and girls are supposed to feel safe, the police station has become totally unsafe for them,” she remarked.
“This is the third time this year that we have had bad issues concerning a police officer either raping a child in the police station or re-traumatising a sexual abuse victim by throwing her in a cell. It is impunity and must not be allowed to stand,” she continued.
The DOHS Cares Foundation founder further urged authorities to take decisive action.
“The officer involved must be arrested, and his prosecution must be made public. Adequate provision must be made also by the Edo state government for the safety of the survivor as well as trauma healing.”
