…commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Rivers State Police Command has detained a police officer attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) over the alleged escape of a rape suspect during an ongoing investigation.
The officer, identified as Ekawhe Thomas, was also issued a formal query following a preliminary review of the incident.
The suspect, identified simply as Goodnews, is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in Rumukwurushi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to reports, the suspect escaped while being taken to the alleged crime scene by an Investigating Officer from the SCID in Port Harcourt as part of ongoing investigations.
The victim’s father, identified as Prince, explained that he had briefly left the scene to get a hammer that would be used to force open the suspect’s apartment after the suspect allegedly refused to unlock the door.
He said he was shocked upon returning when the investigating officer informed him that the suspect had escaped.
Prince added that he immediately chased in the direction the officer claimed the suspect had fled but was unable to apprehend him.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, confirmed that efforts were ongoing to re-arrest the suspect.
She added that the command had launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident to ensure justice is served.
The statement also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, as expressing displeasure over the development.
According to the statement, the police commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, discipline, accountability, and the rule of law.
CP Adepoju warned that the command would not tolerate misconduct, negligence, or abuse of office by any police personnel, stressing that any officer found culpable after investigations would face appropriate disciplinary measures in line with existing laws and police regulations.
“The Command assures members of the public of its commitment to transparency, justice, and the protection of citizens’ rights at all times,” the statement added.
