From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Rivers State Police Command has strongly denied allegations that it is attempting to cover up a high-profile assault case involving the Chief Executive Officer of Ceemore Group of Companies, Mr. Christian Maduba, who is accused of physically assaulting three women at the BlackBox nightclub in Port Harcourt.
This denial comes amid growing public outrage and widespread criticism on social media, where Nigerians have accused the police of allegedly tampering with the case by reducing or altering the original charges leveled against the suspect
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, addressed the matter in a statement issued on Thursday, affirming that the police had acted in accordance with the law and that the matter was already before the court.
“The case involving Mr. Christian Maduba has been charged to court and is currently undergoing due legal process. We categorically deny any attempt to cover up the matter or to alter the charges. The police remain committed to ensuring justice is served in accordance with the law,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She further urged members of the public to allow the judicial process to take its course, assuring that the command had no intention of shielding any individual regardless of their social or economic status.
The controversy erupted after the three women—Anthonia Okoye, Juliet Obasi, and Jennifer Nnochiri—took to social media to share video testimonies detailing their ordeal. In their separate accounts, the women accused Maduba of assaulting them during an outing at the popular BlackBox nightclub in Port Harcourt last week.
In the videos, which quickly went viral, the victims claimed they were attacked without provocation, suffering bruises and other physical harm as a result of the incident. They alleged that despite initially reporting the matter to the police, efforts to seek justice were being frustrated due to the suspect’s influence and connections.
Civil society organizations and women’s rights groups have since waded into the matter, calling on the Inspector General of Police, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Rivers State Government to ensure a transparent and unbiased investigation.
A representative of one of the victims, speaking under condition of anonymity, told journalists that they were determined to pursue the case to its logical conclusion and would not be intimidated by any attempts to derail the case.
Meanwhile, calls have intensified on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other legal advocacy groups to monitor the court proceedings to ensure the victims receive a fair hearing.
The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for gender-based violence and emphasized that the force is committed to protecting the rights of all citizens irrespective of gender or status.
As the court proceedings continue, the case is expected to draw significant public and media attention, with many watching closely to see whether justice will prevail.
