By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed that it investigated an allegation of sexual abuse involving a three-year-old girl, Miss Chidinma James in Abakaliki.

The command said It forwarded the case file to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice in October 2025 and yet to receive the DPP's legal advice as of October 2026, despite sending a reminder in May this year.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in response to a publication alleging the sexual abuse of a child at Abakaliki Cathedral.

According to the statement, the Command received a complaint from the victim’s mother on September 1, 2025, alleging that her daughter, Chidinma Cynthia James, was sexually assaulted on August 22, 2025, at about 8:30 a.m.

The mother reportedly told the police that the child had gone outside to play and was later seen holding hands with another child, aged about four.

When she discovered that her daughter was missing, she searched for her and made inquiries from neighbours, who reportedly said they had not seen the child.

The statement said the girl later returned home and reportedly told her mother that she had been at the residence of Mr Herbert Obioma Okoro.

The mother also observed that the child was limping and subsequently took her to a hospital, where, according to her account, a medical examination indicated that the child had been sexually abused.

The police said they commenced an investigation and arrested Nkechi Obioma Okoro and Adanna Obioma Okoro after the complainant identified them as persons she suspected might have information about the incident. The suspects, however, denied that the child had visited their residence and said they had no knowledge of what happened to her.

The image maker explained that, following the investigation, it forwarded the case file to the DPP in October 2025 for legal advice and sent a reminder in May 2026 but had yet to receive a response.

It said the matter remained subject to the outcome of the legal review and that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law upon receipt of the DPP’s advice.

The police reiterated their commitment to protecting children and ensuring that allegations of criminal conduct were handled with the seriousness they deserved.

They also urged members of the public to rely on verified information and allow due process to take its course.