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By Okey Maduforo Awka
Anambra Police Command has dismissed claims by a Human Right group that it demanded a bribe of N600,000.00 from a sister to a suspected cultist alleged to have been involved in several cult killings in Awka Capital .
This is coming as the Command has commenced investigations into the gruesome murder of a popular Awka socialite and celebrated Master of Ceremony late Aiza Nwosu who was gunned down last two weeks.
The Command had in the court of it’s investigations identified one Miss Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer whose brother Nwosu kenechukwu is reported to be allegedly involved in some cult killings in the area .
Reacting to the publications on the internet and from the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Center (RULAAC) on the allegation the Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga contended that Miss Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer was not arrested based on any offence but in relation to the Police investigation on his brother who was reported connected with some cult killings.
“The Command considers it necessary to clarify the facts and set the record straight”
“The Command’s investigation established that Nwosu Kenechukwu has emerged as a person of interest in ongoing investigations into several cult-related killings in Awka”
“Further investigation established that Ms. Jennifer became aware of efforts by Police operatives to apprehend her brother and subsequently assisted him in evading arrest”
“Her arrest was therefore made in the course of a legitimate criminal investigation arising from her alleged conduct, and not merely on account of her relationship with the suspect, as suggested in the publication”
“The Command also categorically and unequivocally denies the allegation that ₦600,000, or any other monetary consideration, was demanded as a condition for Ms. Jennifer’s release. At no time did the Police demand or impose any financial payment as a condition for her release”
“Ms. Jennifer was subsequently granted bail in accordance with established Police procedures after undertaking to cooperate with investigators and assist in efforts to locate and apprehend her brother, who remains a person of interest in the ongoing investigation”
“The Command remains firmly committed to the rule of law, due process and the protection of the fundamental rights of all persons. At the same time, these principles do not preclude the Police from taking lawful investigative measures against persons reasonably suspected of aiding suspects to evade arrest or otherwise interfering with the course of criminal investigations”
“The Command will not be distracted by unverified narratives capable of prejudicing ongoing investigations or misleading members of the public”
“Its focus remains on uncovering the circumstances surrounding the cult-related killings under investigation, identifying all persons connected to them, and ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law”
“The Command therefore urges media organisations, civil society groups and members of the public to exercise due diligence and verify sensitive allegations with the appropriate authorities before publication, particularly where such reports have the potential to mislead the public, undermine confidence in law enforcement or compromise ongoing criminal investigations”
“The Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to professional, accountable and intelligence-driven policing, and will continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without fear, favour or distraction” he said.
