Fresh allegations of police brutality have emerged against Assistant Superintendent of Police Usman Nuhu, following his recent arrest over the alleged extrajudicial killing of a young man in Delta State. A woman named Ozima Paris Ekeh has come forward with disturbing claims of assault, harassment, sexual intimidation, and extortion by Nuhu and members of his team. The incident, which Ekeh says occurred in 2023, took place when she was riding on a commercial motorcycle and was intercepted by the officers in traffic. She alleges that the police stopped the motorcycle and ordered both her and the rider to dismount without explanation.
According to Ekeh, Nuhu became aggressive and struck her multiple times with his gun, despite no provocation. She recounted in a social media post that he hit her and dragged the rider down, then demanded she enter their shuttle bus. As she approached the vehicle, she claims the officer continued to assault her while making inappropriate comments about her body. Ekeh described the experience as deeply humiliating and dehumanising, saying she felt powerless and terrified throughout the encounter.
The situation escalated further once she was inside the police vehicle. Ekeh alleges she was threatened with death and told that nothing would happen if the officers killed her. She said she feared for her life and even considered the possibility of being raped. One of the men in the vehicle reportedly told her to cooperate if she had money, implying she would face further abuse if she refused. She claims the officers demanded ₦50,000 from her, threatening to take her to a police station where she would be “dealt with” if she didn’t pay.
Out of fear, Ekeh agreed to pay the amount. She said one officer, dressed in plain clothes, accompanied her to a nearby Point of Sale operator, where she withdrew the money and handed it over to them. The ordeal left her emotionally traumatised, and she said she cried continuously during the entire incident. Her account has drawn widespread attention, especially as it surfaces alongside the arrest of Nuhu over the killing of a young man identified as Oghenemine in Delta State.
The case has reignited public outcry over police misconduct, excessive use of force, and lack of accountability within the Nigerian police force. Ekeh’s testimony adds to growing concerns about the abuse of power by law enforcement officers, particularly in situations involving vulnerable individuals. As investigations continue, her story underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms and stronger mechanisms to protect citizens from police brutality. The outcome of these cases could have lasting implications for police-civilian relations across Nigeria.
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