The Nigeria Police Force has defended its decision to dismiss Inspector Edith Uduma for gross misconduct related to the alleged attempted rape of a 17-year-old female suspect by Sergeant Abraham Uzuobo in Edo State. Uduma’s dismissal came after a viral video she recorded in October surfaced, showing Uzuobo in a compromising position with the minor at a police station in South Ibie, Edo State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi explained that Uduma’s actions violated standard protocols and were driven by personal gain. Investigations revealed that Uduma, instead of taking immediate action against Uzuobo, attempted to exploit the situation for extortion.
Adejobi clarified that Uduma, who was the Charge Room Officer on duty at the time, recorded the incident rather than documenting it in the station’s Incident Record and reporting it to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO). She then colluded with her husband, Ibrahim Mohammed, also a police officer, to extort ₦1,000,000 from Uzuobo in exchange for covering up the case.
When Uzuobo only paid ₦45,000, the couple escalated the matter by reporting it to the DPO and simultaneously releasing the video online.
Adejobi stated:
“The dismissal of former Police Inspector Edith Uduma was based on thorough investigations that presented irrefutable evidence of her failure to follow standard incident report protocol, attempt to conceal an offender for benefit, participation in extortion, and manipulation of the justice process for personal gain.”
The statement also confirmed that Uzuobo was dismissed from the Force, prosecuted, and is currently in prison custody awaiting trial. Uduma’s husband, Mohammed, was demoted to the rank of Sergeant for his involvement.
Adejobi reiterated the Police Force’s commitment to ensuring accountability, stating that all individuals involved in the case had been appropriately sanctioned. The Inspector-General of Police emphasized that justice would not be impeded, and the Force remains committed to upholding its integrity and ensuring professionalism within its ranks.
