A human rights organisation, the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT), has called on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to reinstate a rights abuse case filed by a United States citizen, Malory Henry, pending before the Benue State High Court in Makurdi.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, INAHURAT’s Director of Legal Matters, Barr. Maxwell Opara, condemned the decision of the police to discontinue the matter, describing it as a brutal rape of the Nigerian justice system.

Opara recalled that Henry, who was on official duty in Makurdi on March 30, 2023, was allegedly sexually assaulted by an Indian colleague who had invited her to his private residence under the pretence of a welcome reception.

He urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure the case is revived in order to safeguard public confidence in the justice system and protect Nigeria’s international image.

He explained that following the incident, Henry petitioned the IGP, prompting an investigation that led to the filing of a criminal charge (Charge No. MHC/42C/2023) at the Benue State High Court on May 11, 2023.

“The prosecution had already presented witnesses, including the Investigating Police Officer and the victim.

The defendant’s no-case submission was dismissed on May 13, 2024, and the matter was fixed for defence on July 26, 2024. Shockingly, on that day, the prosecuting counsel informed the court that the IGP had directed the withdrawal of the charge,” Opara said.

He called on President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Police Affairs, and the Police Service Commission to intervene urgently, saying the withdrawal of the case could erode trust in the justice system and embolden perpetrators of human rights violations.

Opara stressed that resuming the case would reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to justice, human rights, and the independence of the judiciary.