A Lagos based Human Rights Group, Creating Awareness for Justice, has condemned the attack being meted on Police National Cybercrime Center by some uninformed Nigerians stating that the unit has ushered a new era of digital justice, rebuilding public trust in cybercrime investigations that were once plagued by delays, inefficiency, and public skepticism.
In a statement in Lagos, the group’s spokesman, Taye Sijuade edescribed
a petition filed by Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo against its leadership as ” headline-grabbing drama” with a deeper story that paints a different picture of Commissioner of Police in charge of the center, Ifeanyi Henry Uche.
In her petition dated July 29, 2025, Iyabo Ojo accused CP Uche of unprofessional conduct by allegedly granting social media influencer VeryDarkMan access to her private interrogation session. She cited a conflict of interest, claiming details of her questioning were later leaked online by the civilian, who is reportedly a defendant in another case where she is a witness.
The actress, through her lawyers, called for the probe to be moved to Lagos, describing the Abuja-based inquiry as “tainted and partial.”
“The allegations have generated widespread media attention, largely framing the situation as a case of systemic failure and misconduct”
The human right group, however, said that a closer, more balanced look reveals that the character and record of CP Uche may not align with the narrative being pushed.
According to the group, since assuming command of the NPF-NCC, CP Ifeanyi Henry Uche has carved a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking and reform-minded officers within the Nigerian Police Force. His leadership has ushered in a new era of digital justice, rebuilding public trust in cybercrime investigations that were once plagued by delays, inefficiency, and public skepticism.
“Under his watch, the NPF-NCC deployed state-of-the-art digital forensics tools to track online fraud and cyberbullying with unprecedented accuracy.”
“They have also resolved over 3,000 complex cybercrime cases, many of which involved financial scams, identity theft, and online harassment in collaboration with international cybercrime agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s digital justice system and arrest cross-border criminals.”
“In a policing environment often criticized for opacity, CP Uche has stood out for introducing transparent investigative processes, establishing internal accountability mechanisms, and maintaining strict adherence to procedure, even when politically inconvenient.”
“While the claims made by Iyabo Ojo deserve investigation, as every citizen’s complaint should. It is also important to question whether her assertions stem from genuine procedural breaches or from discomfort with the direction of a case in which she is no longer controlling the narrative.”
They continued: “Legal experts suggest that access to interrogation rooms is governed by strict internal policies, and while it is unusual for a civilian to be present during another civilian’s questioning, it is not unheard of when the two cases intersect. “If VeryDarkMan’s presence was authorized based on procedural or strategic rationale, especially if he is materially connected to the ongoing investigation, then the matter may not be one of misconduct, but of misunderstood protocol.”
“However, sources within the NPF-NCC who declined to be named confirmed that CP Uche was not personally involved in scheduling interrogation timelines or managing physical access to specific interview rooms.”
“The Center runs a decentralized system, one officer said. The Commissioner sets the tone and discipline of the unit, but operational decisions, such as who enters what room and when, are handled by designated supervising officers.”
“CP Uche is not without critics, no leader driving reform ever is. His push to professionalize cybercrime investigation in Nigeria has ruffled feathers within and outside the force.”
“He has taken on powerful fraud syndicates and clamped down on rogue officers, earning both praise and resistance. But what can not be denied is that he has brought credibility and structure to a previously broken system.”
“For many Nigerians who have suffered silently from digital harassment, stolen identities, or financial scams, CP Uche’s leadership has been a lifeline.To reduce his entire legacy to one celebrity complaint, unsubstantiated in court and currently under internal review, risks undermining years of progress in a field that desperately needs public confidence.”
“The petition filed by Iyabo Ojo should be fairly investigated, and any verified breaches should be addressed. However, the public, and indeed the media, must exercise caution in turning allegations into conclusions.This moment calls for discernment. Not all noise is truth. And not every petition is proof of wrongdoing.”
“As Nigeria continues to confront the evolving landscape of digital crime, it needs leaders like CP Uche, flawed, perhaps, but undeniably focused on justice. The progress made under his command speaks louder than a single controversy.”
“If justice is our goal, then fairness must be our standard. And fairness means not allowing reputation to be wrecked by popularity contests. After all, the fight for justice doesn’t begin, or end, on social media.”
