The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Ama, has taken disciplinary action against several police officers over the disappearance of a suspect from custody. According to a statement issued by the police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, Mr Ama ordered the immediate issuance of queries to the divisional police officer in charge of 3-3 Police Station and a deputy superintendent of police. This decision was made after Mr Ama personally interviewed a complainant and the police officers concerned over a viral video alleging that an armed robbery suspect had disappeared from the station.
The viral video, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, shows residents narrating how an armed robbery incident occurred in late September at Trans Nkisi Area of Onitsha. In the video, residents claim that over 18 armed robbers attacked their residence, making away with valuables worth millions of naira. They also claim that some vigilante operatives arrested one of the armed robbers and handed him over to the officers at the 3-3 Police Station. The residents further allege that the police demanded N100,000 from them as a mobilisation fee to take the suspect to the location where he and his gang usually sell stolen properties.
One of the residents, Chinonso Chukwudi, claimed that the police threatened to release the suspect if the occupants of the house failed to pay the N100,000. The residents provided a vehicle to convey the police and the suspect to the location, but upon their return, they were told that the suspect had disappeared from the station. Mr Chukwudi expressed concern over the incident, narrating that the police initially demanded the N100,000, which they thought was a joke.
In response to the incident, Mr Ama has ordered the X-Squad of the command to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention, documentation, and subsequent whereabouts of the suspect. The investigation aims to determine the actions and responsibilities of officers involved. The police chief also assured the public that necessary operational measures have been put in place to facilitate the re-arrest of the suspect.
Mr Ama stressed that the command would not condone any act of unprofessional conduct, dereliction of duty, abuse of office, or compromise of established procedures by any police officer. He described the allegation as serious and capable of undermining public confidence in the police. The police chief also cautioned members of the public against the circulation of unverified information capable of prejudicing an ongoing investigation.
The police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the commissioner reiterated that accountability remains a core component of the command's leadership philosophy. No police officer is above scrutiny or the established disciplinary process, Mr Ikenga added. The command will communicate the outcome of the investigation when established.
The incident has raised concerns about police professionalism and accountability in Anambra State. The disciplinary actions taken by Mr Ama demonstrate the command's commitment to upholding established procedures and maintaining public trust. The investigation's outcome is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the suspect's disappearance and the actions of the police officers involved.
Key points
- Anambra State police commissioner orders disciplinary action against officers over suspect's disappearance
- Investigation launched into circumstances surrounding arrest, detention, and disappearance of suspect
- Police chief cautions against circulation of unverified information prejudicing ongoing investigation
