Police Deny Allegations in Port Harcourt Assault Case

The police in Rivers State have publicly denied claims of a cover-up in the ongoing legal case involving Christian Maduba, the Chief Executive Officer of Ceemore Group of Companies, who allegedly assaulted three women at the BlackBox nightclub in Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State Police Command, through its spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, has dismissed allegations that it altered or manipulated charges to protect Maduba. This follows intense social media backlash and accusations from the public that law enforcement was attempting to frustrate justice in the high-profile case.

Iringe-Koko clarified that the matter has already been taken to court and is undergoing due legal process. “The police cannot dabble in a case that has already gone to court,” she said. “We are professionals. We are not killing any case. The suspects were charged accordingly with a six-count charge, including assault, battery, and conspiracy.”

The case involves three women—Anthonia Okoye, Juliet Obasi, and Jennifer Nnochiri—who allege they were physically assaulted by Maduba and a mobile policeman attached to him on June 14. In widely circulated videos posted online, the women detailed their traumatic experience at the BlackBox nightclub where they had gone to celebrate Okoye’s birthday after paying N200,000 to reserve a table.

According to the victims, Maduba approached their table uninvited and became agitated when one of them declined his advances and continued recording a video while dancing. The situation allegedly escalated into a brutal attack, with Okoye claiming she was stripped and beaten until she lost consciousness. The other two women sustained visible injuries, including a broken tooth and head trauma.

Following their complaint, Maduba was arrested and detained at the Olu Obasanjo Divisional Police Station in Port Harcourt. He was later arraigned at a Magistrate Court on a six-count charge. The businessman pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The case was adjourned to July 23 for a full hearing.

Allegations of a Cover-Up and Police Clarifications

Public outrage intensified when reports began circulating that the police had allegedly attempted to modify the charges or negotiate an out-of-court settlement. However, Iringe-Koko clarified that the police had not tampered with the charges nor attempted to obstruct justice. She also addressed rumors involving the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), explaining that his involvement was strictly procedural.

“The DPO is a peace officer. He may have asked both parties to resolve the issue and report back, but that does not mean he was taking sides or trying to bury the matter,” she said. She added that all conversations with the DPO were recorded and showed no sign of bias or misconduct.

Cyrus Onu, legal counsel to the three victims, has voiced skepticism about the conduct of both Maduba and the police, citing “clerical errors” in the original charge sheet. He confirmed that the errors were now being addressed after intervention by the Commissioner of Police.

Onu also accused the suspect of behaving arrogantly and showing no remorse since the incident occurred. “Ceemore (Maduba) is conducting himself with impunity, clearly believing his wealth can help him manipulate the system,” Onu said. “But the victims are determined, and we are not backing down.”

According to Onu, the victims are not asking for financial compensation—they simply want a public apology and acknowledgment of wrongdoing. “These women are respected professionals—one is a nurse, another is a lab scientist, and the third is a celebrity cake maker. Their reputations have been unfairly dragged through the mud. All they seek is justice and accountability.”

He also highlighted an alleged smear campaign targeting the victims, suggesting attempts are being made to discredit their character and shift public opinion.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about police integrity and gender-based violence in Nigeria. Several civil society organizations and women’s rights groups are actively monitoring the case, vowing to hold both the suspect and the authorities accountable.

“There is no room for silence or compromise in a case like this,” said a spokesperson from one civil rights group. “We are watching how the police handle this, and we demand transparency at every stage.”

As the case proceeds in court, the Rivers State Police Command continues to assert that due process is being followed. The next hearing is scheduled for July 23, and public interest remains high.

For now, the spotlight is firmly on both the judiciary and the police, as Nigerians watch to see if justice will be served in what has become one of the most talked-about assault cases in recent memory.

Source- Punch