The Imo State Police Command has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation against its personnel, describing the claims as unfounded and malicious.
According to ASP Henry Okoye, the command’s Public Relations Officer, the allegations were made by Chief Ogumba Onyeaghala, who claimed to be a member of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in New Owerri. Okoye emphasized that the allegations against the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of New Owerri Station are baseless and should be disregarded by the public.
Upon learning of the allegations through a popular online media platform, the Commissioner of Police promptly initiated an investigation. Okoye reported that the committee’s findings revealed that the accusations were entirely false and driven by malicious intent.
“To begin with, the said Chief Ogumba Onyeaghala is not a member of PCRC, New Owerri Division, as he alleged in the petition. His address and phone numbers on the petition are fake. Hence, all efforts to reach out to him to substantiate his allegations proved abortive,” Okoye stated.
He further disclosed that the PCRC New Owerri has issued a disclaimer to the Commissioner of Police, distancing itself from the accusations and commending the DPO for his exemplary leadership and proactive efforts in ensuring the safety of New Owerri residents. The area is noted as one of the safest in the state.
Officers mentioned in the petition and other principal officers at the New Owerri Division were interviewed and unanimously confirmed the allegations as false. Okoye criticized the online media outlet for publishing the story without seeking the command’s response, highlighting the negative impact such a publication could have on the reputation of the DPO and the police force.
“It is crucial to state that contrary to the allegations made by the Sahara Reporters in the publication, the Police Public Relations Officer was never contacted to get the Command’s reaction on the said issue before publishing a very sensational report that borders on the conduct and reputation of the DPO,” Okoye noted.
He added that the command views the publication as a deliberate attempt by mischief-makers to undermine the DPO’s reputation and morale, as well as the confidence he has established with New Owerri residents. Efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible for the misleading publication.
“Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma reaffirms the Command’s unalloyed dedication to discharging its constitutional mandates while ensuring that its personnel are protected from any form of sexual harassment and gender discrimination,” Okoye concluded.
