The office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has reinstated charges of aggravated defilement against Inspector of Police (IP) Thomas Otim, who serves as the head of the West Nile Region Police Professional Standards Unit (PSU). This decision comes after Patrick Omia, the Resident Chief State Attorney (RCSA) of Arua, initially closed the case due to what he cited as insufficient evidence.
The case at hand revolves around the alleged defilement of a 21-month-old baby by Otim on Independence Day at the Arua Police Barracks. The closure of the case by Omia prompted the family of the victim to petition the office of the DPP, seeking justice and a thorough reexamination of the case.
In a press statement dated November 4, 2023, the DPP officially announced the reinstatement of charges against Otim.
“Having found the evidence sufficient to sustain the charge of Aggravated Defilement against the suspect, Thomas Otim, a police officer, the DPP sanctioned the charge and has been working hand in hand with the Director CID to ensure that the suspect is arrested and produced in court,” said Jacquelyn Okui, the DPP Public Relations Officer.
Okui reassured the public that the DPP is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the closure of the case file by Omia, aiming to shed light on the decision-making process.
During the weekly police briefing held at Naguru, Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, confirmed that Otim had been rearrested and is scheduled to appear before the Chief Magistrates Court, where he will face charges related to Aggravated Defilement.
