The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed “deep shock and outrage” over the alleged defilement of a 9-year-old girl by 60-year-old Mr Okechukwu Azuagu, and the subsequent role Police officers are reported to have played in suppressing justice.
According to Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC, the organisation has received “credible reports” that officers at both the Isinweke Police Division and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, have compromised the investigation.
“RULAAC has received credible reports that Police officers at both the Isinweke Police Division and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, compromised the investigation by releasing the suspect and falsely declaring that ‘the matter has been settled,'” Nwanguma stated.
The case, which originated in Amainyi Autonomous Community, Ihitte/Uboma LGA, was first reported to community authorities on October 24, 2025, before being handed over to the Police.
Concerns about the handling of the matter at the Isinweke Police Division led to its escalation and transfer to SCID Owerri. However, the alleged obstruction continued at the state level.
The report details that the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) identified as Kings David of the Quick Response Team “repeatedly refused to respond to calls or messages from the complainants.”
Victim’s family representatives and the Traditional Ruler were later informed at SCID that the case had been “settled,” and the suspect was subsequently released—an action that RULAAC insists “has no basis in law.”
The Executive Director condemned this alleged behavior, stating, “This outrageous conduct by officers entrusted with protecting citizens – especially vulnerable children – constitutes a clear case of obstruction of justice and a gross violation of the Child’s Rights Act, VAPP Act, and Criminal Code, all of which classify defilement as a non-compoundable felony punishable by life imprisonment.”
Nwanguma warned that “These actions, if confirmed, amount to gross misconduct, dereliction of duty, and deliberate collusion with a suspected sexual offender.”
RULAAC is now calling on the Police Service Commission (PSC) to immediately intervene and restore public trust. The organization’s demands to the PSC are five-fold: Investigate all officers involved at Isinweke Division and SCID Owerri; Discipline and sanction any officer found to have compromised or obstructed justice; Order the rearrest and prosecution of the suspect, Mr. Okechukwu Azuagu; Ensure protection, medical care, and psychosocial support for the survivor; and Restore public confidence by demonstrating zero tolerance for sexual offences and police corruption.
Nwanguma concluded with a stark warning about the broader implications of the case. “The handling of this case is a tragic reflection of a wider pattern where Police corruption enables sexual predators, undermines public trust, and leaves child survivors traumatised and unprotected,” he said.
“Nigeria cannot claim to uphold the rule of law while children are violated and their abusers shielded by those sworn to enforce the law. RULAAC insists that this case must not be swept under the carpet. The PSC must act decisively and transparently.”
