Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali, has ordered the investigation of three top police officers serving in Anambra State accused of involvement in illegal arrests and extra-judicial killings, among others.
The spokesman of the force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
Mr Adejobi, the chief superintendent of police, named the affected officers as Patrick Agbazue, Nkeiruka Nwode and Harrison Akama.
Mr. Agbazue, the chief superintendent of police, is the officer in charge of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Unit of the police in Anambra State, while Ms. Nwode, the superintendent of police, is the spokesperson at the Zone 13 Police Headquarters. .
Mr. Akama, an inspector, is attached to the RRS unit of the police in Anambra.
‘Why order the IGP’
Earlier, a Nigerian news blog had published a report accusing the officers of illegal detention, torture, extortion and extra-judicial killings of the victims.
The blog stated that the officers “unlawfully” arrested their victims, labeled them as “unknown armed men” and then tortured them to accept the label before killing them and taking their vehicles and other valuables.
Gunmen have carried out deadly attacks mainly on government facilities and security agencies in Anambra State and other parts of South-Eastern Nigeria.
READ ALSO: A police officer, accused of extra-judicial killings, threatened journalists during a panel hearing
On Friday, following the publication by the news blog, many Nigerians on various social media platforms, began calling for the arrest and prosecution of the officers.
Mr. Adejobi said the IGP’s order to investigate the affected officials was in response to “weighty allegations” against him.
The spokesman of the force said the affected officers arrived at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Friday, on the orders of the IGP for investigation.
He said a special investigative panel under the IGP Monitoring Unit will investigate the allegations against the officers, and the panel is expected to submit its report within two weeks.
“The IGP has assured that the findings of the investigation will determine the next course of action, although he has promised that the force will not stop at ensuring that justice is done in the case and sanctions are given to the guilty officials,” Mr. Adejobi said.
The spokesman of the force enjoined Nigerians who had bad experiences with the officers or who have information about high profile acts, extortion or extra-judicial killings to report the matter to the panel to assist in the investigation.
Support journalism integrity and credibility PREMIUM TIMES
Good journalism costs a lot of money. But only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, responsible democracy, and transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider making a modest contribution to this noble effort.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help keep journalism relevant and ensure it remains free and available to all.
contribute
AD TEXT: Call Willie – +2348098788999
