The Ebonyi State Police Command says it is awaiting legal advice from the state’s Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in a case involving the alleged sexual abuse of a three-year-old girl in Abakaliki, more than a year after the incident was reported.

The case involves a girl who was three years old when her mother reported the alleged abuse in September 2025. The child is now four.

In a statement addressing renewed public concern over the case, the police said the complaint was lodged on September 1, 2025, over an incident allegedly committed on August 22, 2025, at a residence within the premises of St. Theresa Cathedral in Abakaliki.

According to the police account, the mother reported that her daughter had gone outside to play and later returned home limping. The mother subsequently took the child to a hospital, where, according to her account, medical examination indicated that the girl had been sexually abused.

The police said they began an investigation and arrested three people in connection with the complaint: Herbert Obioma Okoro, Nkechi Obioma Okoro and Adanna Obioma Okoro.

The suspects reportedly denied that the child had visited their residence and said they had no knowledge of what happened to her.

The command said it completed its investigation and forwarded the case file to the DPP in October 2025 for legal advice. A reminder was sent in May 2026, but the police said the advice had yet to be received as of October 14, 2026.

Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said the command would take appropriate action in accordance with the law once the legal review was completed.

The case returned to public attention after humanist and aid worker Ugama Steve raised concerns about the child’s reported medical condition and the delay in the legal process.

National Daily gathered that the child was experiencing further health complications and had reportedly returned to hospital for treatment. The specific medical details have not been independently verified.

The renewed attention has prompted calls for the authorities to clarify the status of the investigation and ensure that the child receives appropriate care.

The police account confirms that the case file was sent to the DPP, but the available reports do not establish why the legal advice remains outstanding or when a decision on prosecution will be made.

The allegations against the suspects have not been established in court. The suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The case has raised concerns about the handling of alleged sexual offences against children, the timeliness of prosecutorial decisions and the need to protect victims while investigations and legal proceedings continue.