The Anambra State Police Command has arrested at least 12 suspects in connection with the killing of 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 N600,000 to secure the release of Jennifer Nwosu, who was said to be the sister of one of the suspects.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known on Wednesday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Awka.
Ikenga said Jennifer’s arrest and subsequent release were part of an ongoing investigation into the murder, dismissing claims that money was demanded for her release.
He challenged anyone alleging extortion or corruption against the police to provide credible and verifiable evidence.
The clarification followed concerns raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) over Jennifer’s reported arrest and subsequent return to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu amid allegations that N600,000 had earlier been paid for her release.
RULAAC had alleged that Jennifer contacted the organisation on September 6, claiming she was arrested on August 31 and detained for four days because the police were searching for her brother, who was reportedly wanted in connection with a murder.
The organisation further alleged that N600,000 was paid on September 3 for her “administrative bail”, but that no receipt was issued. It also claimed that her mobile phone was seized without a seizure form or property receipt.
RULAAC subsequently demanded clarification on Jennifer’s whereabouts, legal status and place of detention, as well as access to her lawyer and family.
Responding to the allegations, Ikenga said the command had taken note of RULAAC’s concerns and responded to the issues raised.
He said the police did not demand or collect any money as a condition for Jennifer’s release.
According to the spokesman, the command is investigating a cult-related murder in Awka and had been examining individuals and circumstances that could assist investigators in identifying the perpetrators and locating the principal suspect, who remains at large.
Ikenga said investigators discovered communication between Jennifer and the wanted suspect on the night of the incident, despite her initial claim that she had not communicated with him for more than five years.
He said the communication allegedly contained information about the victim’s death and a warning to the suspect that the police were closing in on him.
The police spokesman described the communication as a legitimate investigative lead that required clarification.
He explained that Jennifer was subsequently released after offering to assist investigators in locating and apprehending the principal suspect.
“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,” Ikenga said.
He maintained that the investigation would not be derailed by allegations of financial inducement, insisting that the command had neither demanded nor collected N600,000 for Jennifer’s release.
Ikenga also cited relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of Anambra State and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, saying the police would continue to carry out their investigative duties within the law.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to accountability, transparency, professionalism and respect for fundamental human rights.
The police spokesman urged individuals and organisations making allegations of extortion, corruption or misconduct to support such claims with credible evidence.
He assured the public that the investigation into the killing would continue professionally and without fear or favour, with the ultimate goal of bringing those responsible to justice.
