The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed claims of a cover-up in the high-profile assault case involving businessman Christian Maduba and three women at BlackBox Nightclub in Port Harcourt.
Amid mounting public criticism and social media backlash, Police Public Relations Officer SP Grace Iringe-Koko clarified that the matter is already in court and progressing through proper legal channels.
“The police cannot dabble in a case that has already gone to court,” Iringe-Koko stated. “We are professionals. We are not killing any case; the case is in court for onward prosecution.”
The incident gained public attention after the alleged victims — Anthonia Okoye, Juliet Obasi, and Jennifer Nnochiri — posted videos detailing their ordeal. According to their accounts, Maduba, CEO of Ceemore Group of Companies, and a mobile policeman allegedly assaulted them after one of the women refused Maduba’s advances.
Okoye, who had paid N200,000 to host her birthday celebration at the venue, accused Maduba of stripping and beating her when she declined to let him join their reserved table. She alleged the violence escalated when he noticed that one of the women was filming the altercation.
Following the allegations, Maduba was arrested on June 14 and detained at the Olu Obasanjo Divisional Police Station. He was later arraigned before a Port Harcourt Magistrate Court on a six-count charge, including assault, battery, and conspiracy to commit felony. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The case has been adjourned to July 23 for hearing.
Addressing claims that the Divisional Police Officer attempted to mediate an out-of-court settlement, Iringe-Koko said the officer was merely acting in line with police duties as peacekeepers.
“As police, we are peace ambassadors. He must have asked both parties to resolve and report back — not because we are trying to suppress the matter,” she said.
Meanwhile, counsel to the victims, Cyrus Onu, confirmed that initial “clerical errors” on the charge sheet were being corrected following the Commissioner of Police’s intervention. He accused Maduba of showing no remorse, calling his attitude “arrogant” and filled with “impunity.”
“What these girls really want is a public apology,” Onu told Saturday PUNCH. “Own up to what you did, especially in the face of overwhelming evidence.”
Onu also decried what he described as a smear campaign against the victims, asserting that they are hardworking professionals who deserve justice.
Civil society groups and concerned citizens have pledged to monitor the proceedings closely to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of the case.
