Court Drama in Owerri as Police IPO Fails to Produce Defilement Suspect in Court

Owerri, Imo State – Proceedings at a Magistrate Court in Owerri were stalled on Thursday, June 18, 2026, after the Investigating Police Officer, IPO, failed to produce one of the suspects in an alleged defilement case for arraignment.

Two septuagenarians from Nekede, Owerri West LGA — Godfrey Enyereibe Amadi, 70, and Sidney Onyemere, 70 — were arrested on May 14, 2026, and charged over the alleged defilement of a 7-year-old girl, also from Nekede.

The matter took a dramatic turn when only one of the accused, Mr. Onyemere, was brought to court. The IPO in charge, identified as Ifeoma of the D6 Block, State CID, was also absent. The presiding magistrate expressed displeasure and ordered that Mr. Amadi be produced in court within 24 hours. She declined to take the plea of Mr. Onyemere and adjourned the case to Friday, June 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

The court criticized the police team for what it described as a lack of professionalism and due diligence, warning that such lapses erode public trust in law enforcement.

The Police Prosecutor, Esther Oluchi Nzeh, told the court she was relying on case files handed to her by the absent IPO and said she had limited knowledge of the developments in the case.

Allegations of interference have surrounded the case since the arrests. Reports claim Mr. Amadi attempted to pressure the victim’s family into an out-of-court settlement and allegedly threatened them. The family also filed petitions with the Imo State Commissioner of Police, citing attempts to harm or kidnap the child. The victim’s church and pastor were also reported to have faced intimidation.

Police authorities in Imo are yet to issue an official statement on the IPO’s absence and the allegations of compromise.