Rivers Police Deny Allegations of Cover-Up in Assault Case Against Ceemore CEO
The Rivers State Police Command has debunked claims that it is attempting to cover up an alleged assault involving Christian Maduba, the Chief Executive Officer of Ceemore Group of Companies, who was accused of assaulting three women at BlackBox nightclub in Port Harcourt.
The police issued the denial after Nigerians took to social media, accusing the authorities of frustrating the case by altering charges against the suspect to favour him.
Case Undergoing Legal Process — Police
Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that the matter had already been charged to court and is undergoing due legal process, insisting that no foul play occurred.
“The police cannot dabble in a case that has already gone to court. We are professionals. The charges were not changed. The suspects were charged accordingly. Six-count charges were placed against the alleged suspect,” Iringe-Koko said.
She also addressed claims that a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) involved in the case was promoting an out-of-court settlement.
“As police, we are peace ambassadors. The DPO may have asked both parties to resolve and report back, but that does not imply any attempt to kill the case. The matter is in court,” she clarified.
The Victims’ Account
The three victims Anthonia Okoye, Juliet Obasi, and Jennifer Nnochiri, recounted their ordeal in widely circulated social media videos. They claimed Maduba and a mobile policeman attached to him assaulted them after one of them rejected his advances at the club.
According to Okoye, she had paid ₦200,000 to reserve a table at the club to celebrate her birthday. She accused Maduba of violently attacking her, stripping her naked, and inflicting severe injuries on her and her friends.
“He flared up because one of us was recording a dance video. He beat us up, broke my head and tooth, and left us traumatized,” she narrated.
Legal Proceedings So Far
Following public outcry, Maduba was arrested and detained at the Olu Obasanjo Divisional Police Station on June 14. 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, with the next hearing set for July 23, 2025.
Victims’ Lawyer Raises Concerns
Cyrus Onu, counsel to the victims, expressed concern about alleged clerical errors in the original charge sheet. However, he confirmed that the Rivers State Commissioner of Police had stepped in to ensure corrections were being made.
He criticized the suspect for showing no remorse, accusing him of arrogance and impunity.
“Ceemore is unapologetic and appears to think his money can delay justice. But he will be surprised. The victims want a public apology. Own up to what you did, especially given the overwhelming evidence,” Onu said.
Onu also condemned an alleged smear campaign targeting the victims.
“These are respectable, hardworking women, a lab scientist, a nurse, and a cake artist. They went out to relax like any citizen, but ended up being assaulted and now slandered. This is unacceptable,” he stated.
He added that civil society groups and the public were monitoring the case closely and expressed confidence in the justice system.
