Extrajudicial Killings: IG Sets Up Panel to Probe Anambra Police Officers

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has set up a special investigation team to commence investigations into allegations of extrajudicial killings, corruption, and high-handedness levelled against some police officers serving at the Zone 13 Command, Ukpo-Dunukofia, and the Anambra State Command.

This was revealed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement obtained by our correspondent on Friday.

An anonymous blog, Gistlover, had earlier published a story, alleging that CSP Patrick Agbazue, a senior police officer in Anambra state was involved in kidnapping, torture, and murder of citizens.

The blog further alleged that Agbazue and his team are worse than their infamous predecessor, James Nwafor, who was accused of similar crimes during his tenure as head of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Anambra, during the tenure of a former governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi.

Reacting to the allegations on Friday, Adejobi said, “The IG has set up a special investigation panel under the IG’s Monitoring and Mentoring Unit to commence investigations into some weighty allegations of unprofessionalism, high-handedness, and extra-judicial killings levelled against its officers serving at the Zone 13 Command, Ukpo-Dunukofia, and the Anambra State Command on social media platforms.

“In light of the serious allegations levelled against the officers – CSP Patrick Agbazue, officer-in-charge of the Rapid Response Squad, Anambra State Command, SP Nwode Nkeiruka, the PPRO of Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo-Dunukofia, and Inspector Harrison Akama attached to the RRS, reported at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja on Friday.

“This was on the directive of the IG for the commencement of investigations to ascertain the veracity of the allegations for further necessary action, while the panel has been given a period of two weeks to come up with a report of investigations.

“The force enjoins any member of the public who has had experiences or information on acts of high-handedness, extortion, or extra-judicial killings by the officers in question, to forward same with detailed information via mobile number 08036242591, or by email via [email protected], [email protected] to enable the panel achieve a wholistic investigation.”

The FPRO noted that the IG has assured that the findings of the investigations will determine the next line of action, while promising that the NPF will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is done in the case and sanctions meted to any officers found guilty accordingly.