Anambra police deny demanding ₦600,000 for suspect’s release

Anambra police have rejected allegations that officers demanded ₦600,000 for the release of a wanted suspect’s sister, saying her arrest formed part of an investigation into cult-related killings in Awka.

The command identified the woman as Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer. In a statement issued on Monday, its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, called the allegations misleading. He said the clarification followed an online publication based on a letter reportedly written by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre and signed by its executive director, Okechukwu Nwanguma.

According to the police account, Jennifer became aware that officers were trying to arrest her brother, Nwosu Kenechukwu, and assisted him in evading arrest. The command said Kenechukwu had become a person of interest in investigations into several cult-related killings in Awka.

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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.

“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,” Ikenga said. He added that Jennifer’s arrest resulted from her alleged conduct during the investigation, rather than simply from her relationship with the suspect.

The command “categorically and unequivocally” denied that ₦600,000 or any other payment had been demanded as a condition of her release. It said Jennifer was later granted bail under established police procedures after undertaking to cooperate with investigators and assist efforts to locate and apprehend her brother.

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The command categorically and unequivocally denies the allegation that ₦600,000, or any other monetary consideration, was demanded as a condition for Ms Jennifer’s release.