The Rivers State Police Command has denied allegations of attempting to shield a suspect in the alleged assault of three women at the BlackBox nightclub in Port Harcourt.
The denial comes amid growing public outrage and social media backlash, with many Nigerians accusing the police of trying to manipulate the case involving one Christian Maduba, the CEO of Ceemore Group of Companies.
Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, clarified that the case has been formally charged to court and is following due legal process, refuting claims of foul play.
The victims — Anthonia Okoye, Juliet Obasi, and Jennifer Nnochiri — had earlier posted videos online recounting their ordeal.
According to them, Maduba allegedly attacked them after one of them rejected his advances at a birthday celebration hosted by Okoye at the nightclub.
They also accused a mobile police officer attached to Maduba of participating in the assault.
The women claimed the attack left them with serious injuries, including a broken tooth and a head wound.
Okoye further alleged that she was stripped and beaten after Maduba approached their reserved table and was refused entry. Tensions escalated, she said, when one of her friends began recording a video while dancing.
Maduba was arrested and detained on June 14 at the Olu Obasanjo Divisional Police Station in Port Harcourt.
He was later arraigned before a Port Harcourt Magistrates’ Court on June 18, facing a six-count charge including assault, battery, and conspiracy to commit felony.
He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The case was adjourned to July 23 for hearing.
Amid public concern, SP Iringe-Koko insisted that the police acted appropriately.
“The charges were not altered. Six-count charges were filed against the suspect.
The case is already in court, and the police cannot interfere,” she said.
Responding to claims that a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) encouraged an out-of-court settlement, Iringe-Koko said the officer was only performing his duty as a peace mediator.
“The DPO had a recorded interview session with the parties involved. At no point did he make any inappropriate suggestions.
As peace officers, it is within our mandate to encourage dialogue when appropriate,” she explained.
Meanwhile, counsel to the victims, Cyrus Onu, expressed concern over what he described as clerical errors in the original charge sheet, which he said were being corrected through the intervention of the Commissioner of Police.
Onu criticized the suspect’s conduct, saying Maduba had shown no remorse since the incident.
“He’s acting with arrogance and impunity, as if money can drag the case indefinitely. But he’ll be shocked,” Onu stated.
He also condemned efforts to tarnish the victims’ reputations since the case became public.
“These women are professionals — a lab scientist, a cake artist, and a nurse.
They went out to unwind and ended up battered.
Now, a smear campaign is being waged against them,” he said.
What the victims want most, Onu added, is a public apology from Maduba.
“He needs to take responsibility, especially in the face of overwhelming evidence.”
Onu concluded by expressing faith in the justice system, noting that civil society organizations and members of the public are closely watching the case, which will be pursued to its conclusion.