* Rights group accuses Nigeria Police of “institutional cruelty” after officer who disarmed criminal in 1998 faces eviction.
A Nigerian police officer who allegedly disarmed a dangerous criminal nearly three decades ago is now at the centre of a disturbing human-rights controversy, after a rights group claimed she has gone 28 years without salary and now faces eviction from her official residence.
The advocacy organisation Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) says the officer, Grace Ohiaeri, has endured decades of what it described as “institutional cruelty” by the Nigeria Police Force, despite remaining technically in service since 1998.
Speaking in Enugu during activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, themed “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”, WACOL director Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN, warned that the case represents “a national disgrace and a failure of the justice system to protect those who risk their lives for society.”
Ezeilo, SAN, a former United Nations Special Rapporteur, described the case as “a national disgrace”, saying Ohiaeri’s ordeal began shortly after she disarmed a dangerous criminal in 1998 in order to protect civilians.
Heroism Followed by Hardship
According to WACOL, the officer’s actions at the time involved disarming a notorious suspect allegedly linked to a senior police officer.
Instead of commendation, the group said Ohiaeri’s salary was abruptly stopped that same year without any formal disciplinary action, even though she was never officially dismissed from the force.
“In 1998, Officer Grace Ohiaeri performed a heroic act. Her reward was not commendation but malice and institutional cruelty,” Ezeilo said.
“Today she is elderly and frail, and the Police Force is evicting her from her official quarters under the guise of renovations, leaving a national hero with nowhere to go.”
Allegation of Diverted Relief Funds
WACOL also alleged that a ₦20 million relief donation made by billionaire philanthropist Arthur Eze to assist the embattled officer never reached her.
According to the group, the funds were allegedly diverted by some of her superiors.
“When a Good Samaritan, Chief Arthur Eze, donated ₦20,000,000 for her relief, those funds allegedly vanished into the pockets of her superiors,” Ezeilo said.
The group said it has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Bitrus Giwa, demanding immediate intervention.
Among its demands are:
- Payment of 28 years’ salary arrears
- Official recognition of her service
- A promotion to enable a dignified retirement
Another Family in Crisis
During the press conference, WACOL also highlighted another case involving a woman identified as Faith Odoh and her four children.
The organisation said Odoh’s family is trapped in extreme poverty and now faces eviction after a traumatic series of events involving the alleged sexual assault of her 12-year-old daughter by multiple men.
According to WACOL, the final suspect in the case, a local pastor who also serves as a neighbourhood watch chairman, had been providing the family temporary accommodation.
The suspect is currently awaiting trial.
“These traumatised children are now out of school and desperately need a safe sanctuary,” Ezeilo said.
‘Give to Gain’ Campaign
To address both crises, WACOL announced the launch of a fundraising initiative called “Give to Gain.”
The campaign aims to secure permanent housing for Officer Ohiaeri and the Odoh family while also establishing sustainable livelihoods for the latter.
Ezeilo urged the Nigerian government and corporate organisations to move beyond symbolic gestures during International Women’s Day and take concrete action.
“We cannot, and will not, allow a lifetime of service to end on the streets,” she said.
