By Michael Ovat -Awka
The Anambra State Police Command, has dismissed a publication making the round that it operatives demanded and collected a sum of six hundred thousand naira (600,000), to release Miss Jennifer Nwosu, daughter of the late popular comedian, Azia Nwosu who was gruesomely murdered recently in Awka, the state capital.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, dismissed the publication while briefing Journalists at the State Command headquarters in Amawbia -Awka, on Wednesday, in reaction to the allegation raise by Miss Nwosu through a Civil Society Organization, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), alleging that the Anambra police demanded and collected a sum of N600,000 from her to secure her release over the ongoing investigation into a cult-related murder in Awka.
The CP urged the public to disregard the publication, noting that they cannot be distracted in the investigation by diversionary tactics by accusing the police of collecting money for release.
According to him, “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.
WHAT LED TO HER ARREST?
“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 indicates 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.
“These were legitimate investigative issues that the Police had a duty to clarify.
“For clarity, being invited, arrested or questioned in connection with an investigation is not a declaration of guilt. The Command remains guided by due process and the presumption of innocence.
WHY WAS SHE RELEASED?
“Miss Nwosu was subsequently released after offering to assist investigators in locating and apprehending the suspect at large.
“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 is aware of concerns subsequently raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (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
ON THE LAW
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.
OUR POSITION
The Command wishes to make these points unequivocally clear:
” 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 and 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, the CP concluded.
