In response to a possible serial rapist’s escape from the state, Godwin Udom, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Orji Division, has been immediately redeployed by Imo State’s Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma.
This was revealed in a statement on Tuesday by Henry Okoye, the state’s police spokesperson.
A 20-year-old lady was reportedly gang-raped in Owerri by the suspect, known as Ihee Andrewa, and two other males, according to prior reports.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mr. Udom has been redeployed to the State Police Headquarters in Owerri on “standby,” according to Mr. Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police.
According to a police spokeswoman, Mr. Udo is accused of plotting and helping the alleged 30-year-old rapist, who was being held in the Orji police facility where the DPO was stationed, to escape.
“An official query has also been issued for serious dereliction of duty, discreditable conduct, lack of supervision, failure to send situation report, disobedience to lawful order, and an act of sabotage and unbecoming of a public officer,” Mr. Okoye stated. “CSP Udom Godwin and other officers serving in the division that are linked to the case are also under investigation.”
According to the spokesman, a “comprehensive investigation” into the situation has been ordered by the police commissioner to be conducted by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of the State Criminal inquiry Department.
According to him, the deputy commissioner was also required to make sure that everyone suspected of the 20-year-old woman’s alleged rape was detained and brought to justice.
“Moreover, an investigation has been conducted on the DPO and other officers involved in the case, and appropriate sanctions will be imposed if it is determined that they were complicit,” he continued.
Mr. Okoye also added that Chima Eke, a chief superintendent of police, has been assigned by the state police commissioner to assume leadership of the Orji Police Division as the new DPO.
The state’s police officials are aware of the locals’ worries, the spokeswoman added, and they have promised that “the victim will get the justice that she deserves in this case.”
