The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the dismissal of Inspector Edith Uduma for gross misconduct and her role in the alleged rape of a 17-year-old female suspect by Police Sergeant Abraham Uzuobo.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Police detailed its findings following a thorough investigation conducted by the Edo State Police Command. The incident occurred on October 7, 2024, at a police station in Edo State.
According to the investigation, Sergeant Uzuobo removed the victim from the cell and attempted to sexually assault her in an unoccupied office. Uduma, the Charge Room Officer on duty, discovered the act and recorded it but failed to report the matter immediately to her superiors. Instead, she and her husband, Inspector Ibrahim Mohammed, conspired to extort ₦1 million from the accused Sergeant to conceal the incident.
Although the Sergeant initially paid ₦45,000, he refused to meet the full demand. When their blackmail attempt failed, Uduma and her husband reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and leaked the footage on social media.
The Police emphasized that all individuals involved have been appropriately sanctioned. Sergeant Uzuobo was dismissed, prosecuted, and remains in prison custody while facing trial. Uduma was dismissed for her role in extortion and dereliction of duty, and her husband was demoted to the rank of Sergeant.
**Police Reiterate Zero Tolerance for Corruption**
ACP Adejobi clarified that Uduma’s dismissal was based on “irrefutable evidence” of misconduct, extortion, and manipulation of the justice system. He refuted her claims of innocence and accused her of attempting to tarnish the reputation of the Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
“The dismissal of former Inspector Edith Uduma was necessary, as her actions violated the values and standards of the Nigeria Police Force,” Adejobi said.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to upholding justice, protecting vulnerable individuals, and maintaining transparency and accountability. It urged the public to disregard baseless claims aimed at deflecting responsibility and to support efforts to ensure justice and integrity within the Force.
