admin
…By suspects old enough to be her grandparents
A child-protection and civil society organization, the Onurube Coalition, has submitted an urgent petition to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, calling for the immediate takeover of the investigation and prosecution of a case involving the alleged serial sexual exploitation of an 11-year-old girl, Ginika Obodozie (not real name), from Umudiatu Orlu Autonomous Community.
In the petition dated November 24, 2025, and addressed to the Imo state Commissioner of Police, the coalition alleges that the child has been repeatedly exploited by multiple adult men within her community, with the initial police investigation at the Orlu Division being “compromised” and “obstructed.”
According to the petition, the minor resides with an aunt who is believed to have been negligent and to have facilitated and concealed the abuse. The girl’s parents are reportedly unable to protect her due to the mother’s mental health condition and the father’s medical incapacitation.
The situation is further complicated by serious allegations against the Orlu Police Division. Onurube states that it has “credible information” that the handling of the case at the Orlu Police Division was compromised through “financial inducements,” leading to the release of all but one suspect.
The petition condemns the handling of the case at the Orlu Police Division, suggesting interference in the matter.
“Given these concerns, the continued handling of this case at the divisional level poses a threat to justice, child safety, and public interest,” the petition reads.
The legal basis for the request is grounded in several laws, including the Imo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, the Child Rights Act, and the Constitution of Nigeria, which enshrine the state’s primary duty to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens, especially vulnerable children.
Key demands made by Onurube to the Ministry of Justice include:
The immediate takeover of the case file by the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) for a fresh, unbiased investigation; a formal inquiry into the alleged misconduct of the Orlu Police Division and other officers; the re-arrest and proper charging of all suspects previously released; urgent action to ensure the child’s safety, including a safety assessment of her home, temporary protective custody, and provision of medical and psychosocial support.
The coalition concludes by emphasizing the gravity of the situation, stating that the case involves “a minor who has suffered repeated sexual violations” in the hands of men old enough to be her grandfather; men in their 40s, 50s and 60s, with the case being further compounded by the alleged police compromise and family failure in their duty of care.
The petition was signed by Marjorie Ezihe, Coordinator of the Onurube Coalition.
As at the time of the petition, the organization noted that the police had scheduled an interview with the incident reporters, indicating that the matter remains an active case.
