Police Officers Face Trial For Demanding Bribe From Rape Victim

Imo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has commenced an orderly room trial of officers accused of demanding a ₦100,000 bribe from a 15-year-old rape victim.

The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, January 8.

Okoye disclosed that a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and an Investigating Police Officer (IPO) were summoned for questioning following widespread public condemnation.

Naija News reports that the probe followed a viral video uploaded on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) by the victim’s elder sister, detailing the incident and the alleged extortion attempt.

The video triggered immediate action by the police, leading to the identification, arrest, and detention of the officers over “allegations of engaging in professional misconduct” in the handling of the rape case.

An orderly room trial for the officers has been scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12, 2026, in accordance with police regulations. The spokesperson did not disclose the exact number or identities of the officers involved.

Meanwhile, police have arrested the suspect accused of raping the girl, identified as 24-year-old Wisdom Onyeaju of Umuekweye, Irete, in Owerri-West Local Government Area.

Okoye stated that the arrest followed a tip-off from the victim’s family after the incident was made public via the viral social media video.

Onyeaju is currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where he is undergoing a thorough investigation.

“Upon conclusion of the investigation, he will be arraigned in court with the appropriate charges,” Okoye said.

The case has drawn widespread condemnation online, highlighting concerns over police accountability and the treatment of rape survivors.

The orderly room trial is expected to determine the officers’ culpability and restore public confidence in the state police command’s handling of sensitive cases.