The Adamawa State Police Command is dusting off a two-year-old acid attack case that left three victims scarred for life—and this time, they're vowing to nail the cowards who did it.
Police brass announced Tuesday they're reopening the brutal 2023 attack that disfigured Miss Eve Usman Kwala and two others, bowing to mounting public pressure and emotional appeals from the victims and concerned Nigerians.
The action follows the failure of the first investigation, in which police failed to apprehend a single suspect despite the horrific nature of the crime that resulted in three young people suffering life-altering injuries.
The command's spokesperson, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, outlined it in a press release that confirmed what everyone already knew: the initial investigation was fruitless.
"The unfortunate incident, which left the victims with severe injuries, was reported at the time, however, no suspect was successfully apprehended during the initial investigation," Nguroje admitted.
In other words, they failed miserably. However, the police are now being given another chance because of the public outcry and increased attention.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation has been instructed by Commissioner of Police CP Dankombo Morris to thoroughly investigate the case.
The marching orders are unambiguous and pressing:
Examine and reevaluate the complete case file as soon as possible. Everything is examined again, including the timeline, forensic evidence, witness statements, and more.
Gather all human and material evidence through statements earlier recorded and any new material that may assist the investigation. They are searching for new leads that may have been overlooked the first time by going through previous testimony.
Determine who is directly or indirectly involved in the incident, track them down, and conduct a thorough investigation. Put an end to half-measures. Everyone connected in any way to the attack is being closely examined.
Ensure the arrest and diligent prosecution of all perpetrators involved in this heinous act. The endgame is clear—arrests, charges, court, and convictions.
After two years of waiting for justice that never materialized, Eve Kwala and the other victims see the reopened investigation as a ray of hope.
Acid attacks are among the most vicious crimes imaginable. The physical scars are permanent, the psychological trauma immeasurable, and the recovery process brutal and expensive. Victims often require multiple surgeries, ongoing medical care, and counseling to cope with the devastating aftermath.
That the original investigation failed to produce even a single arrest raised serious questions about police competence, commitment, or both. Now, the command is getting a chance to redeem itself.
The police are also making a public appeal for help. Anyone with information about the attack is being urged to come forward, with the command promising strict confidentiality for tipsters.
"Members of the public with useful information are encouraged to come forward and assist the investigation. All information provided will be treated with the highest confidentiality," the statement read.
It's a smart move. When someone who initially remained silent decides to speak—either because their conscience won't let them sleep or because circumstances change and they're no longer afraid to speak up—cold cases frequently break.
Two years is a long time in criminal investigations. Memories fade, witnesses relocate, evidence degrades, and suspects get comfortable thinking they've gotten away with it. However, reopening the case might cause things to change.
With a tone of defiance, the command declared that crimes such as acid attacks would not be ignored or forgotten.
"The Command remains resolute to upholding justice, safeguarding lives, and ensuring that criminal acts of this nature are never swept aside," Nguroje declared.
Strong words. Now comes the hard part—backing them up with results.
The public will be watching closely. Nigerians want someone, so this is not a minor issue.nwhether it was a fight or theft, to make up for this vicious assault that claimed lives.
For CP Dankombo Morris, the reopened investigation is both an opportunity and a test. Crack the case and arrest the perpetrators, and the command earns back public trust. Fail again, and the criticism will be withering.
The victims and their families have waited long enough. They deserve answers. They deserve justice. And they deserve to see the animals who threw acid on innocent people locked up where they belong.
The time is running out. The command has made significant pledges. They must now deliver.
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