Justice Prevails: Police Officer Accused Of Defiling Toddler Faces Charges Again After Public Outcry

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the exoneration of a police officer in Arua who was accused of sexually assaulting a 21-month-old child.

Inspector of Police, Thomas Otim, previously served as the head of the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) in the West Nile region and was stationed at Arua Central police station. He faced allegations of sexually assaulting a toddler, and though forensic evidence supported the accusation, the case was dismissed by the area Resident State Attorney due to insufficient evidence.

The decision to drop the charges prompted the parents of the victim to protest the outcome. They expressed concerns about possible financial inducement leading to the police officer’s exoneration.

However, the Office of the DPP responded to public complaints, stating that they took immediate action after the baby’s family reported the matter to their Regional Office in Arua. The regional officer reviewed the case file, and subsequently, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) got involved.

The DPP’s office has determined that there is sufficient evidence to sustain the charge of aggravated defilement, and as a result, the charge has been reinstated and sanctioned against the police officer. They are also collaborating with the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to ensure the suspect’s arrest and presentation in court.

Additionally, the DPP is investigating the circumstances surrounding the closure of the case file by RCSA Arua.

In their complaints, the victim’s parents have raised concerns that financial impropriety may have played a role in the police officer’s exoneration. They have pledged to vigorously pursue justice in this case.