Photo caption: Police
The Anambra State Police Command has said it has arrested no fewer than 12 persons in connection with the killing of a popular comedian and town crier, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as “Aiza Nwosu”, as well as other cult-related killings in Awka, the state capital.
The command, however, denied allegations that its officers collected ₦600,000 to secure the release of Nwosu Jennifer, said to be a sister of one of the suspects.
Spokesman for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made the clarification during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka on Wednesday.
Ikenga insisted that Jennifer’s arrest and subsequent release were linked to an ongoing investigation into the murder case, while dismissing the allegation as false and challenging anyone alleging extortion or corruption against the police to produce credible evidence.
The clarification followed an earlier alarm raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre over the whereabouts and safety of Jennifer after her reported return to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, amid controversy over an alleged ₦600,000 payment for her earlier release.
RULAAC, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said Nwosu contacted the organisation on September 6, alleging that she had been arrested on August 31 and detained for four days because the police were looking for her brother, who was reportedly wanted in connection with an alleged murder.
She also allegedly told the organisation that ₦600,000 was paid on September 3 for her “administrative bail”, but that no receipt was issued, while her mobile phone was allegedly seized without a seizure form or property receipt.
The organisation further alleged that the Commissioner of Police told it that Jennifer had denied, in the presence of her lawyer, that ₦600,000 had been demanded or obtained from her.
RULAAC said this contradicted her earlier written communication to the organisation.
The group also alleged that Nwosu had been rearrested and demanded disclosure of her whereabouts, legal status, place of detention and access to her lawyer and family. It warned that it would escalate the matter to relevant police oversight and human rights authorities if the issues were not clarified.
However, responding to the allegations during the press briefing, Ikenga said the command was aware of concerns subsequently raised by RULAAC and had responded to the issues raised.
He said, “Let me begin by appreciating civil society organisations, human rights groups and the media for their continued interest in policing, particularly in promoting accountability, transparency and respect for human rights.
“The Command welcomes legitimate scrutiny of its activities. However, we are here today to set the record straight on allegations surrounding the arrest and subsequent release of Miss Jennifer Nwosu, particularly the claim that ₦600,000 was paid for her release.
“Let me state this clearly: the Anambra State Police Command did not demand or collect ₦600,000, or any money whatsoever, as a condition for Miss Nwosu’s release.
“The Command is investigating a cult-related murder in Awka. As part of that investigation, the Police are examining individuals and circumstances that may assist in identifying the perpetrators and locating the principal suspect who remains at large.
“During interrogation, conducted in the presence of her lawyer, Miss Nwosu denied communicating with the suspect for over five years.
“However, information available to investigators indicated that there was communication between her and the suspect on the night of the incident. The communication under investigation included information concerning the death of the victim and an alert to the suspect that the Police were closing in on him.”
According to him, these were legitimate investigative issues that the Police had a duty to clarify.
He explained that Jennifer was subsequently released after offering to assist investigators in locating and apprehending the suspect at large.
On the reason she was released, Ikenga said her release was therefore connected to the ongoing investigation and the need to explore every lawful means of bringing the principal suspect to justice.
“The command has so far arrested no fewer than 12 persons in connection with the killing of the late Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as ‘Aiza Nwosu’, as well as other cult-related killings in Awka.
“The Command is aware of concerns subsequently raised by RULAAC and has responded to the issues raised. The Police cannot be distracted in our investigation by diversionary tactics by accusing the police of collecting money for release.
“The Command is also mindful of Section 83 of the Criminal Code of Anambra State, which provides for liability where a person becomes an accessory after the fact to a felony.
“Similarly, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law provides the legal framework for bail and criminal proceedings. The Police will continue to exercise their investigative responsibilities within the law and will take necessary lawful steps where circumstances require further investigation.
“The Command wishes to make these points unequivocally clear that no ₦600,000 was demanded or collected for Miss Nwosu’s release. Her arrest was connected to an ongoing investigation into a cult-related murder in Awka.
“Investigators identified communication between her and the suspect at large as relevant to the investigation. She was released after offering to assist the Police in locating the suspect but does otherwise.
“The investigation remains ongoing. The Command remains committed to accountability, transparency, professionalism and respect for fundamental human rights.
“We welcome scrutiny, but we also urge individuals and organisations making allegations of extortion, corruption or misconduct to support such claims with credible and verifiable evidence.
“As the law recognises, he who alleges must prove. The Anambra State Police Command will continue to pursue this investigation professionally, objectively and without fear or favour, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that justice is served.”
