By Prosper Mene
Outrage is growing as Nigerians demand justice for three young women who were allegedly brutally assaulted at Black Box nightclub in Port Harcourt during a birthday celebration. The incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, came to light after the victims shared harrowing videos detailing their ordeal.
The women, who had reserved a table at the popular nightclub to celebrate a friend’s birthday, claim they were attacked by a male patron identified as Maduba Okechi Christian, CEO of Ceemore Global Limited. According to one victim, the altercation began when the man, who joined their table uninvited, demanded they not film him. Despite their compliance, he allegedly launched a violent attack. One woman suffered a severe head injury after being struck with a bottle, another lost a front tooth after being punched, and a third was reportedly stripped and pushed down a staircase by the man and his security detail.
In a video circulating online, one victim, visibly injured, said, “All we did was go out as girls. That’s our only ‘offense.’ Is every girl in Nigeria now assumed to be a prostitute?” The women also alleged the assailant is a regular at the club with a history of similar incidents, raising concerns about safety in public spaces.
The Rivers State Police Command has responded, confirming an investigation is underway. On Friday, June 13, 2025, the command stated via its social media handle that the Black Box manager and the alleged suspect have been invited for questioning, urging the victims to provide statements. The Divisional Police Officer in the jurisdiction has expedited action, though the suspect and nightclub owner reportedly failed to appear at the station on Friday. Adebayo Steve, Rivers State Director of Behind Bar Human Rights Foundation, confirmed two victims visited the police station, while two others remain hospitalized.
A man identifying himself as the founder of Black Box, using the TikTok handle @datfairboy, issued a personal statement condemning the assault. “No one has the right to inflict harm on anyone, especially when there was no threat,” he said, noting he had visited the victims in hospital and reported the matter to authorities.
The incident has ignited a firestorm online, with advocacy groups and influencers amplifying the victims’ calls for justice. Netizens expressed anger over the perceived lack of safety for women, with one X user, @dglasses_girl, writing, “Women can’t exist in peace in this crazy country.” The hashtag #PortHarcourtAssault is trending as Nigerians demand the suspect’s arrest and prosecution.
The case sheds light on ongoing concerns about gender-based violence in Rivers State, where reports of assaults and inadequate justice responses have fueled public frustration. The police investigation and the victims’ recovery remain under close scrutiny as the nation awaits accountability.
