Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 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.”
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