Inclusivity/Gender
Edo Police elevate charges in brutal attack on visually impaired cobbler, thanks to disability rights push
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
06 Nov 2025 01:49 AM
Benin, Edo – The Edo State Police Command has earned commendation for its decisive response to advocacy concerns, abandoning an initial plan to charge a suspect with simple assault and instead pursuing serious offenses of attempted murder, conspiracy, and malicious damage in the brutal stabbing of a 50-year-old visually impaired cobbler.
The command's actions, culminating in a High Court remand order, demonstrate a commitment to justice that aligns with the gravity of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim.
The incident originated from a minor disagreement over access to a public water tap at Oguola off Siluko Road, escalating into violence at ICE Road off Wire Road in Benin City.
Mr. Sunday Nworie, a blind father of three who supports his family through his cobbling trade, was attacked at his workplace after assailants allegedly targeted his home and assaulted his wife.
The 50-year-old sustained a stomach stabbing, blows to the mouth that dislodged three teeth, and injuries severe enough to warrant charges of attempted murder.
DAILY SOUTH NIGERIA reported that early handling of the case at the Oba Market Police Division had raised concerns, with only one suspect briefly detained before release. However, upon receiving a detailed petition from the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) on October 28, 2025 the Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika acted promptly.
The petition called for the arrest of all suspects, an internal review of the division's conduct, and full prosecution, leading to the immediate transfer of the case to the General Investigation Department (GID) at State Headquarters.
The group praised the move as a proactive step to ensure no stone was left unturned.
It was learnt that on November 3, NAPVID alerted authorities to information suggesting the lead suspect, 20-year-old Edidiong Augustine (female), might be charged before a Magistrate Court for the lesser offense of assault, a development that could have undermined the case's seriousness.
In a display of responsiveness, the Edo Police Command heeded the advocacy group's objections, scrapping the Magistrate Court approach and redirecting the matter to the High Court (Criminal Division) for appropriate charging.
The command's diligence shone through Wednesday's proceedings at the High Court of Justice, Benin City, Criminal Court 5. Through the GID, police filed a motion for remand. The application was robustly supported by an affidavit from Investigating Officer W/Inspector Osasunwen Paul, outlining the suspect's confession to participating in the assault, along with attached exhibits such as medical reports and Form 8 remand requests.
The court granted the motion in full, remanding Augustine to the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Benin City. It further instructed that the case file be sent to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the Edo State Ministry of Justice for legal advice, adjourning to November 19, 2025, for further hearing.
"We commend the Edo State Police Command for eventually taking appropriate steps to ensure the matter is properly charged before the competent court.", W. O. Ehigie Esq, a representative of the group said in a statement sighted by this online newspaper
Commissioner Agbonika's leadership in facilitating the case transfer and charge elevation builds on the command's track record. Just months earlier, in March 2025, police detained eight suspects in the murder of deaf engineer Efe Ogbeide following public outcry, a case NAPVID also supported further illustrating the force's willingness to pursue justice in disability-related crimes.
Mr. Nworie, recovering from his injuries and providing for his children, represents the broader community of Nigeria's approximately 25 million persons with disabilities, who face elevated risks of violence.
As the DPP reviews the file, NAPVID has pledged ongoing monitoring and support for the victim, including legal aid, while expressing confidence in the authorities' continued diligence.
The command's actions, culminating in a High Court remand order, demonstrate a commitment to justice that aligns with the gravity of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim.
The incident originated from a minor disagreement over access to a public water tap at Oguola off Siluko Road, escalating into violence at ICE Road off Wire Road in Benin City.
Mr. Sunday Nworie, a blind father of three who supports his family through his cobbling trade, was attacked at his workplace after assailants allegedly targeted his home and assaulted his wife.
The 50-year-old sustained a stomach stabbing, blows to the mouth that dislodged three teeth, and injuries severe enough to warrant charges of attempted murder.
DAILY SOUTH NIGERIA reported that early handling of the case at the Oba Market Police Division had raised concerns, with only one suspect briefly detained before release. However, upon receiving a detailed petition from the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) on October 28, 2025 the Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika acted promptly.
The petition called for the arrest of all suspects, an internal review of the division's conduct, and full prosecution, leading to the immediate transfer of the case to the General Investigation Department (GID) at State Headquarters.
The group praised the move as a proactive step to ensure no stone was left unturned.
It was learnt that on November 3, NAPVID alerted authorities to information suggesting the lead suspect, 20-year-old Edidiong Augustine (female), might be charged before a Magistrate Court for the lesser offense of assault, a development that could have undermined the case's seriousness.
In a display of responsiveness, the Edo Police Command heeded the advocacy group's objections, scrapping the Magistrate Court approach and redirecting the matter to the High Court (Criminal Division) for appropriate charging.
The command's diligence shone through Wednesday's proceedings at the High Court of Justice, Benin City, Criminal Court 5. Through the GID, police filed a motion for remand. The application was robustly supported by an affidavit from Investigating Officer W/Inspector Osasunwen Paul, outlining the suspect's confession to participating in the assault, along with attached exhibits such as medical reports and Form 8 remand requests.
The court granted the motion in full, remanding Augustine to the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Benin City. It further instructed that the case file be sent to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the Edo State Ministry of Justice for legal advice, adjourning to November 19, 2025, for further hearing.
"We commend the Edo State Police Command for eventually taking appropriate steps to ensure the matter is properly charged before the competent court.", W. O. Ehigie Esq, a representative of the group said in a statement sighted by this online newspaper
Commissioner Agbonika's leadership in facilitating the case transfer and charge elevation builds on the command's track record. Just months earlier, in March 2025, police detained eight suspects in the murder of deaf engineer Efe Ogbeide following public outcry, a case NAPVID also supported further illustrating the force's willingness to pursue justice in disability-related crimes.
Mr. Nworie, recovering from his injuries and providing for his children, represents the broader community of Nigeria's approximately 25 million persons with disabilities, who face elevated risks of violence.
As the DPP reviews the file, NAPVID has pledged ongoing monitoring and support for the victim, including legal aid, while expressing confidence in the authorities' continued diligence.
Comments
Innocent Iruomachukwu
Kudos to the Nigerian Police for redeeming their name on this matter.
09 Nov 2025 03:53 AM