… Magistrate fumes; adjourned case to July 2
The Family Court of the Magistrate in Owerri on Thursday expressed strong displeasure with the Imo State Police Command for failing to produce a second defendant in an ongoing defilement case, despite a subsisting court order.
Suspect, Godfrey Enyereibe
Presiding Magistrate J.I. Austin Okeke said the non-production of Mr. Godfrey Enyeribe Amadi, 70, amounted to “disobedience to the court’s directive” issued on June 19, 2026. The court ordered Police Prosecutor, DSP Elochukwu Osegbo, to ensure Mr. Amadi is produced at the next sitting.
The matter involves the alleged defilement of a 7-year-old child in Nekede, Owerri West LGA. Two suspects, Mr. Sidney Onyemere, 70, and Mr. Godfrey Enyeribe Amadi, 70, were arrested on May 14, 2026.
The court had earlier directed that both defendants be arraigned together. Police have, however, presented only Mr. Onyemere on two separate occasions. When questioned, the prosecutor told the court that “only one file” — that of Mr. Onyemere — was made available to him, and that Mr. Amadi’s file was “not readily available.”
Magistrate Okeke faulted the explanation, stating that under Imo State law, it is illegal for police to unilaterally release or fail to produce a suspect in a defilement case before a judge for remand or arraignment proceedings.
The Magistrate also cautioned DSP Osegbo, saying he appeared to be “acting outside his role” by making submissions that seemed to defend the absent defendant. The court ruled that neither the prosecutor nor counsel appearing for Mr. Amadi would be heard until the suspect is physically produced as ordered.
The proceedings drew attendance from several civil society and rights groups, including the National Human Rights Commission, Child Protection Network, RULAAC, FIDA Nigeria, Justice & Equity For All International Foundation, and the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. Family members and supporters of the victim were also present.
Present in support of Mr. Amadi were Adaku Uzoma Soronnadi, Mrs. Celestina Evans Onyemere, Mrs. Kenneth Onyemere, Mrs. Patricia Chijioke Oparaku, Herbet Azoro Amuzie, Pa Onyemere, and Mike Onyenwe, who reportedly arranged transportation from the village. Some of the women in the group, who appeared in uniform, were seen celebrating after one of them — identified as a “Women’s Leader” — ended a phone call and distributed cash to the others, describing it as a “thank you” gesture from the “Eze Elect.”
A coalition of CSOs and women/child rights advocates plans to meet Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, early next week to raise concerns about the handling of the case. A source at the courthouse alleged “police compromise” in the matter but doubted the CP’s direct involvement.
The case was adjourned to Thursday, July 2, 2027, for the production of Mr. Amadi and continuation of proceedings.
