Human rights activist and legal practitioner, Chetam Nwala, has secured the release on bail of one Mrs. Doris Njideka after she spent nearly two months in prison custody, while calling for the dismissal of the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oyigbo Police Station, CSP Ijeoma Ugochukwu, over alleged misconduct.
In a statement, Nwala alleged that Mrs. Njideka was attacked with a machete by her estranged husband, Mr. Eleazer Nwakpe, during a dispute over the custody of their children. He claimed the incident was reported to the then DPO, but no action was taken despite the injuries she allegedly sustained.
Nwala further alleged that the police officer received ₦500,000 from Mr. Nwakpe before arresting Mrs. Njideka and charging her with allegedly stealing her own children. He said that although the Oyigbo Magistrate Court declined jurisdiction and returned the case file for reassignment, she remained in prison custody for nearly two months without a fresh hearing date.
According to Nwala, his organisation, Chasing Justice Human Rights Initiative, took up the matter after receiving a complaint through a Rhythm FM staff member and activist Charles Jaja. He said the legal team secured a court date, and Mrs. Njideka was granted bail, which was immediately perfected, leading to her release.
He also alleged that following the intervention of activist Harrison Gwamnishu, the former DPO was removed from office, refunded the alleged ₦500,000, and is currently facing internal disciplinary proceedings.
While commending the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, for initiating disciplinary action against the officer, Nwala urged the Nigeria Police Force to dismiss him. He also called for the prosecution of Mr. Nwakpe over the alleged assault and bribery.
The human rights lawyer further urged the police and the judiciary to uphold justice and prevent their institutions from being used as instruments of oppression, stressing that public officials who abuse their offices should be held accountable.
The Nigeria Police Force and the individuals named had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
