Anambra Police Command Deny ₦600,000 Bribe Claim, Explain Arrest and Release of Jennifer Nwosu

By Our Reporter

The Anambra State Police Command has denied allegations that ₦600,000 was demanded or paid to secure the release of Miss Jennifer Nwosu, insisting that her arrest was linked to an ongoing investigation into a cult-related murder in Awka.

The Command, at a press briefing, said Nwosu was arrested as part of efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder and identify the principal suspect, who is still at large.

The Police also dismissed claims of extortion, saying no money was demanded or collected as a condition 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 said.

According to the Police, investigators were examining individuals and circumstances that could assist in identifying those responsible for the murder and locating the fleeing principal suspect.

The Command said Nwosu denied communicating with the suspect for more than five years during interrogation, which was conducted in the presence of her lawyer.

However, investigators allegedly found evidence of communication between Nwosu and the suspect on the night of the incident.

The Police said the communication being investigated included information concerning the victim’s death and an alert allegedly sent to the suspect that officers were closing in on him.

The Command maintained that these issues constituted legitimate lines of inquiry in the murder investigation.

“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,” the Police said.

Why Nwosu Was Released

Explaining the circumstances surrounding her release, the Police said Nwosu was freed after offering to assist investigators in locating and apprehending the suspect who remains at large.

The Command said her release was therefore connected to the ongoing investigation and the need to explore lawful avenues to secure the arrest of the principal suspect.

The Police also acknowledged concerns raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), saying it had responded to the issues raised by the organisation.

The Command, however, cautioned against what it described as attempts to divert attention from the murder investigation through unsubstantiated allegations of financial inducement.

“The Police cannot be distracted in our investigation by diversionary tactics of accusing the police of collecting money for release,” the Command stated.

Police Cite Legal Framework

The Command further referred to Section 83 of the Criminal Code of Anambra State, which it said provides for liability in circumstances where a person becomes an accessory after the fact to a felony.

It also cited the Administration of Criminal Justice Law as providing the legal framework governing bail and criminal proceedings.

The Police assured that any further action arising from the investigation would be taken within the provisions of the law.

Command’s Position

The Anambra State Police Command reiterated that:

• No ₦600,000 was demanded or collected for Nwosu’s release.
• Her arrest was connected to an ongoing investigation into a cult-related murder in Awka.
• Investigators identified communication between Nwosu and the suspect at large as relevant to the investigation.
• She was released after offering to assist the Police in locating the suspect.
• The investigation remains ongoing.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, transparency, professionalism and respect for fundamental human rights.

It also challenged individuals and organisations alleging extortion, corruption or other misconduct to provide credible and verifiable evidence in support of their claims.

“As the law recognises, he who alleges must prove,” the Command said.

The Police assured that the investigation would continue “professionally, objectively and without fear or favour,” with the ultimate goal of bringing the perpetrators to justice.