Allegations of sexual harassment against New Owerri DPO, unfounded, mischievous -says Command Spokesman

By Anyi Lemchi

The Imo State Police Command has debunked the report of alleged sexual harassment of female Police officers and other sundry misconduct by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of New Owerri, CSP Abideen Salawu.

Recall that Sahara Reporters, an online media platform had on Tuesday carried a report captioned; “Police Community Official Accuses Imo State DPO Of Sexual Assault, Harassment Of Female Officers”, wherein the Senior Police Officer was accused of sexually assaulting, harassing and intimidating female officers in his division.

But the command in a release issued by its spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye on Thursday, described the allegations as unfounded, malicious and mischievous, disclosing that after the command carried out thorough investigation over the allegations, it was discovered that both the petition and publication were calculated attempt to malign the reputation of the DPO.

Okoye further disclosed that efforts are in progress to apprehend the originator and purveyors of the misleading publication, while assuring that the Police Commissioner, CP Aboki Danjuma is committed to ensuring that personnel under his watch are protected from any form of sexual harassment and gender discrimination.

The report reads, “The Imo State Police Command is aware of an online publication by Sahara Reporters on 10/07/2024, captioned; “Police Community Official Accuses Imo State DPO Of Sexual Assault, Harassment Of Female Officers” wherein allegations of Sexual Assault, Harassment and Intimidation of Female Officers were purported against the Divisional Police Officers (DPO) of New Owerri, by one Chief Ogumba Onyeaghala who claimed to be a member of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) of New Owerri Division.

“After conducting a thorough investigation, the Command wishes to inform the general public that the allegations leveled against the DPO as contained in the petition are unfounded, malicious, and mischievous.

“To begin with, the said Chief Ogumba Onyeagahala 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.

“More so, the PCRC New Owerri has written a disclaimer to the Commissioner of Police, distancing itself from the purported allegations against the DPO, noting that the Divisional PCRC has on several occasions commended the DPO for his remarkable leadership style and proactive efforts in safeguarding the lives and properties of the residents of New Owerri as it remains one of the safest areas in the State.

“The officers whose names appeared on the petition and other principal officers serving at New Owerri Division have been interviewed separately and they unequivocally stated that the contents of the petition are entirely false, revealing further that they enjoy a cordial working relationship with their DPO. That he is a disciplined and dedicated officer who is highly committed to discharging his duties professionally without any gender discrimination or harassment.”

“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.

“Without any ambivalence, the Command views the publications as a deliberate and concerted attempt by mischief makers to dampen the reputation and morale of the Divisional Police Officers as well as the already established confidence he has built in the minds of the residents of New Owerri. Efforts are in progress to apprehend the originator and purveyors of the misleading publication.

“The Command calls on the general public, particularly the residents of New Owerri to disregard the mischievous publications and continue to support the DPO in his quest for public safety. Media print correspondents are advised to always verify their news content before publishing as all forms of misinformation and misleading content might cause disaffection to the public.

“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP 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.”