The Anambra State Police Command has denied reports alleging that it demanded ₦600,000 from the sister of a wanted suspect in exchange for her release, insisting that the woman, identified as Ms Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer, was arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into cult-related killings in Awka.
The command, in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, described the allegations as misleading.
Ikenga added that the clarification became necessary following 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.
He said Jennifer was granted bail in accordance with established police procedures after undertaking to cooperate with investigators and assist in efforts to locate and apprehend her brother, who remains a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command has noted an online publication, following a letter purportedly written by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, and dated September 5, 2026, concerning the arrest and subsequent release of Ms Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer.
“The publication alleged that Ms Jennifer was arrested on August 31, 2026, not in connection with any offence allegedly committed by her, but solely in relation to police investigations involving her brother, Nwosu Kenechukwu, who was reportedly wanted in connection with an alleged murder case.
“It further alleged that the sum of ₦600,000 was demanded as a condition for her release. The command considers it necessary to clarify the facts and set the record straight.
“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.
“Further investigation established that Ms Jennifer became aware of efforts by police operatives to apprehend her brother and subsequently assisted him in evading arrest.
“Her arrest was therefore made in the course of a legitimate criminal investigation arising from her alleged conduct, and not merely on account of her relationship with the suspect, as suggested in the publication.
“The command also categorically and unequivocally denies the allegation that ₦600,000, or any other monetary consideration, was demanded as a condition for Ms Jennifer’s release. At no time did the police demand or impose any financial payment as a condition for her release.
“Ms Jennifer was subsequently granted bail in accordance with established police procedures after undertaking to cooperate with investigators and assist in efforts to locate and apprehend her brother, who remains a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.”
According to him, the command remains firmly committed to the rule of law, due process and the protection of the fundamental rights of all persons, adding that these principles do not preclude the police from taking lawful investigative measures against persons reasonably suspected of aiding suspects to evade arrest or otherwise interfering with the course of criminal investigations.
He explained that the command would not be distracted by unverified narratives capable of prejudicing ongoing investigations or misleading members of the public.
“Its focus remains on uncovering the circumstances surrounding the cult-related killings under investigation, identifying all persons connected to them, and ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“The command therefore urges media organisations, civil society groups and members of the public to exercise due diligence and verify sensitive allegations with the appropriate authorities before publication, particularly where such reports have the potential to mislead the public, undermine confidence in law enforcement or compromise ongoing criminal investigations.
“The Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to professional, accountable and intelligence-driven policing, and will continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without fear, favour or distraction,” the statement added.
