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Edo Policewoman Faces Dismissal After Exposing Alleged Sexual Assault by Fellow Officer

The Edo State Police Command is under fire following allegations that it is attempting to dismiss Inspector Edith Uduma for exposing a case of alleged sexual molestation of a 17-year-old female detainee by a fellow police officer at the Ibie Police Division in Etsako West, Edo State.

According to multiple sources and documents seen by SaharaReporters, Inspector Uduma witnessed the incident involving one Sergeant Abraham Ozobor, who allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted the teenage detainee after removing her from a cell and taking her to the administrative unit of the station.

Following the incident, Uduma reportedly contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Osemwegie Lilian, as well as the Station Officer and Inspector Inah Yibala. However, the DPO allegedly delayed action and failed to report the case to the appropriate authorities until five days later.

Despite pressure from several senior officers to drop the case, including DPOs from Ibie, Jataau, and Auchi police stations, Inspector Uduma persisted. She eventually reported the matter to the Personal Assistant of the Edo State Commissioner of Police, who subsequently informed the Commissioner. Only after the Commissioner was briefed did DPO Lilian submit a report, claiming she was unaware of the incident.

The incident reportedly occurred on or before October 12, but it was not brought to the attention of the police headquarters until after a video linked to the case went viral on social media.

Repercussions and Retaliation

Following the exposure of the incident, Sergeant Abraham Ozobor was dismissed from the police force. However, rather than commending Inspector Uduma for whistleblowing, the police reportedly began proceedings to dismiss her. According to Uduma, she has also been falsely accused of accepting a N45,000 bribe from Ozobor and allegedly demanding N1 million to keep the incident quiet—claims she strongly denies.

“The DPO is just angry that the case got out, especially as she is set to retire on November 15,” Uduma told SaharaReporters, denying any involvement in social media leaks or financial misconduct.

Sources within the force allege that it was Inspector Inah Yibala, not Uduma, who accepted money from Ozobor. The amount was reportedly recovered, yet the accusation remains against Uduma.

In a controversial escalation, police authorities reportedly demoted Uduma’s husband—also a police officer—allegedly because he was aware of the incident. He was demoted from the rank of inspector without due process.

Official Reaction

When contacted, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that Sergeant Ozobor had been dismissed but accused Inspector Uduma of bribery and blackmail. He did not respond to allegations of retaliatory action against the whistleblower or her husband.

The situation has sparked outrage among rights advocates and public commentators who argue that whistleblowers should be protected, not punished. Calls are mounting for a transparent investigation into the matter and for the protection of those who report abuse within the police force.

Inspector Uduma maintains her innocence and insists she acted in accordance with her duty to uphold justice, despite attempts to silence her.

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