The Abia State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Uche Nwokeocha, has expressed concern over the inability of human rights abuse victims to access justice due to the uncooperative attitude of some Investigation Police Officers in the state.

Nwokeocha alleged that some police officers demand "outrageous amounts of money" from victims during case investigations, making it difficult for the Commission to prosecute suspected offenders due to lack of evidence.

The NHRC Coordinator made these remarks during a visit to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechuckwu Uwanna, at his office in Umuahia. She emphasized that a strong partnership between her office and the Abia State Ministry of Justice would help victims access justice without significant financial burden.

"Most victims of such crimes do not have money to push their matters in Court," Nwokeocha stated.

The NHRC official also condemned the practice in some communities where victims of rape are allegedly intimidated and prevented from speaking publicly about their experiences. She noted with regret that some widows whose children are victims are sometimes offered money to remain silent.

Nwokeocha commended Governor Alex Otti for appointing Ikechuckwu Uwanna as the Attorney General and praised Uwanna's efforts in reforming the justice delivery system in Abia State.

In response, Attorney General Uwanna revealed that a citizens' rights bill currently before the Abia State House of Assembly would address issues of stigma, denial of justice, discrimination against key populations, and domestic and gender-based violence.

Uwanna assured the NHRC that victims of rights abuse can now access justice by collaborating with the gender-based officer in the Abia State Ministry of Justice.