Top West Nile Officer Arrested in Child Defilement Case
In a recent development in Arua, Uganda, Inspector of Police (IP) Thomas Otim, who serves as the head of the West Nile Region Professional Standards Unit (PSU), has been taken into custody. The arrest comes after a fellow officer accused him of committing aggravated defilement against the officer’s young daughter. Otim’s detention took place on Tuesday, pending further guidance from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
As per information provided by the Arua CPS police, the 49-year-old suspect is alleged to have defiled a daughter of a police surgeon stationed at Arua Central Police Barracks. The incident reportedly occurred on October 9, 2023, within the confines of the police barracks.
It is claimed that Otim, who resides in proximity to the victim’s family, enticed the girl, who was at home with her mother, Rachel Nsiima, to his residence. The mother recounted that they heard the girl’s cries, prompting her elder brother to intervene.
Following this distressing incident, Nsiima conducted an examination of her daughter, which revealed injuries in her private area. She promptly reported the occurrence to the police, leading to the initiation of a General Inquiry File (GEF: No. 86/2023). Subsequent medical examinations confirmed penetration and injuries to the young girl’s private parts.
Initially, Otim was granted bail, taking into consideration his position as the head of the West Nile PSU. Nevertheless, he was re-arrested on Tuesday following a directive from the Police headquarters. Given the status of the suspect, the victim has been placed on Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Josephine Angucia, the Police Spokesperson for West Nile, confirmed the incident and Otim’s arrest today.
During the ongoing investigations, the office of the Professional Standards Unit has been temporarily entrusted to Otim’s Deputy. The investigations are being conducted under Arua Central Business District CRB 900/2023.
