The Founding Director of Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL), Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to urgently intervene and reinstate Police Officer Grace Ohiaeri, who for 28 years has allegedly remained without salary despite still being technically in service.

Prof. Ezeilo made the clarion call on the occasion of the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration while addressing journalists and stakeholders at the headquarters of WACOL.

At the event, advocates, journalists and supporters gathered to commemorate the global celebration with a renewed call for justice and protection for vulnerable women and girls across Nigeria. The gathering formed part of activities marking the International Women’s Day celebration in March and focused largely on strengthening access to justice for women who often face enormous obstacles when seeking protection through the legal system.

The event highlighted that access to justice remains a serious challenge for many Nigerians, particularly women and girls who face multiple layers of discrimination and systemic barriers. It shows countless women continue to endure injustice silently because the institutions expected to protect them either fail to act or delay action for years.

The 2026 International Women’s Day was marked globally under the theme “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls.” Organizers stressed that the theme should translate into concrete steps that improve the lives of women rather than remaining symbolic rhetoric.

 

As part of its activities, WACOL launched a special initiative known as the “Gift to Gain” campaign. The fundraising effort is designed to mobilize public support and resources for women who have suffered violence, institutional neglect and severe economic hardship. The initiative aims to provide shelter, legal assistance and livelihood support for victims who are struggling to rebuild their lives.

 

During the briefing, Prof. Ezeilo highlighted two troubling cases that demonstrate the urgent need for stronger institutional protection for women.

 

The first case involves Officer Grace Ohiaeri, a police officer who reportedly carried out a heroic act in 1998 by disarming a dangerous criminal in order to protect members of the public. Instead of being commended for her bravery, she allegedly became a victim of institutional retaliation.

 

According to WACOL, her salary was abruptly stopped that same year without a clear explanation, even though she remained connected to the police service. For nearly three decades, she has reportedly struggled to survive without pay while continuing to perform minor duties around police facilities.

 

Advocates described her ordeal as deeply troubling and unjust, noting that a woman who once risked her life to protect citizens now lives in hardship and uncertainty.

 

The situation became even more controversial after a philanthropist reportedly donated ₦20 million to support her welfare. However, according to accounts presented during the briefing, the money allegedly never reached Officer Grace.

 

To make matters worse, the aging officer is now reportedly facing eviction from her official residence due to proposed renovation plans, a development that could leave her homeless.

 

Prof. Ezeilo described the situation as unacceptable and urged the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to act swiftly by restoring her full salary for the past 28 years, promoting her to the appropriate rank and ensuring she receives an honorable retirement.

 

The second case presented during the event involved Mrs. Faith Odo and her four children, whose lives have been devastated by poverty and abuse.

 

According to WACOL, Faith’s 12-year-old daughter was repeatedly sexually abused by several men within their community. The final alleged perpetrator was a pastor and neighborhood watch chairman who had provided temporary shelter to the family.

 

Despite the trauma, Faith reportedly faced pressure from members of the community not to report the abuse because the suspect had earlier offered assistance to the family.

 

Eventually, she reported the case, leading to the arrest of the suspect who is currently awaiting trial. However, the decision to seek justice has resulted in further hardship for the family, as they now face eviction from their current accommodation.

 

The children, who are already traumatized by the abuse, are currently out of school and struggling to cope with the emotional and financial consequences of the situation.

 

Advocates stressed that such cases highlight the painful reality that legal representation alone is not enough to help victims. Without access to food, shelter and transportation, many victims are unable to continue attending court proceedings, making justice even harder to achieve.

 

Through the “Gift to Gain” campaign, WACOL hopes to provide immediate support for both Officer Ohiaeri and the family of Faith Odo by securing safe housing and establishing sustainable means of livelihood for them.

 

Organizers also called on members of the public, corporate bodies and other stakeholders to contribute generously to the initiative, emphasizing that collective support could transform the lives of vulnerable women who have been abandoned by the system.

 

Prof. Ezeilo concluded by noting that protecting women and girls is essential for building stronger families and more stable communities.

 

She stressed that justice for women ultimately benefits society as a whole, adding that Officer Grace Ohiaeri’s lifetime of service to the nation should not end in neglect and poverty, while vulnerable families like that of Faith Odo deserve safety, dignity and a chance to rebuild their lives.