Four police officers in Pader District, Aswa East region have been apprehended on multiple charges including corruption, aiding the escape of a murder and armed robbery suspect, and mishandling 53 defilement cases. The officers, identified as OC CID Alfred Alumansi, AIP Ochora Geoffrey, Detective Constable Josephine Mukyayaye, and Detective Constable Wilberforce Kadhumbula, were taken into custody by the regional Criminal Investigations Directorate on February 17, 2024.
The arrest stems from allegations that the officers were involved in corrupt practices, mismanaging case files related to defilement and rape, and facilitating the escape of Bosco Odong Okidi, a prime suspect in the shooting of Boniface Moro, a local businessman. The incident, which occurred on November 19, 2023, resulted in Moro’s death under Case Ref: CRB 630/2023.
According to Milton Odongo, the Pader Resident District Commissioner, the arrests followed an operation conducted by the Police Flying Squad team in Bargoma Village, Ogago Parish, Pajule Sub-County on January 22, 2024. During the operation, an AK 47 Rifle with 29 ammunitions was recovered, and Michael Komakech was apprehended. Komakech confessed to stealing two guns in 2015 from Ogom Police Post, leading to further arrests and the recovery of additional weapons.
However, on February 9, 2024, it was discovered that Bosco Odong Okidi had managed to escape from the Pader Chief Magistrate’s Court cells. This prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his escape. It was revealed that Okidi’s escape was allegedly orchestrated by OC CID Pader, Alfred Alumansi, who ordered the transfer of the suspect from the Police cell to the court cell, where he was left unattended.
Further investigation uncovered negligence on the part of Sergeant Avini, the station manager, who deployed the officer guarding the court away from the premises at the time of the escape. Additionally, it was found that the OC CID ordered the removal of the suspect’s name from the Police cell record, further aiding in his escape.
Joe Oloya, the regional community liaison officer for Aswa East River region, confirmed the arrest of the police officers, who are currently detained at Kitgum Central Police Station. Statements from the District Police Commander, DISO, and RDC for Pader District are pending, after which investigations will proceed.
