The Anambra State Police Command has denied demanding ₦600,000 or any other monetary payment for the release of a woman, Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer, arrested in connection with investigations into cult-related killings in Awka.
The command described as false the allegation contained in a publication by Sahara Reporters, which followed a letter purportedly written by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma.
The letter, dated September 5, 2026, reportedly alleged that Jennifer was arrested on August 31, 2026, solely because of her relationship with her brother, Nwosu Kenechukwu, who was said to be wanted by the police over an alleged murder case.
It further alleged that the sum of ₦600,000 was demanded as a condition for her release.
However, the police, in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said Jennifer was arrested because of her alleged role in helping her brother evade arrest.
According to the command, Kenechukwu had emerged as a person of interest in investigations into several cult-related killings in Awka.
The police said further investigation revealed that Jennifer became aware of efforts by its operatives to apprehend her brother and subsequently assisted him in evading arrest.
The command therefore maintained that her arrest was part of a legitimate criminal investigation and was not based merely on her relationship with Kenechukwu.
The statement read in part, “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.”
The police also described the alleged ₦600,000 demand as completely false, insisting that no money was requested from Jennifer as a condition for her release.
The command said 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.
It added that Kenechukwu remained a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.
The police said its commitment to the rule of law and protection of fundamental rights did not prevent it from taking lawful investigative measures against persons suspected of aiding suspects to evade arrest or interfering with criminal investigations.
The command further urged media organisations and civil society groups to verify sensitive allegations with relevant authorities before publication.
It warned that unverified reports could mislead members of the public, undermine confidence in law enforcement and potentially compromise ongoing criminal investigations.
The police said it remained focused on unraveling the circumstances surrounding the cult-related killings, identifying all persons connected to the incidents and ensuring that anyone found culpable was prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, on September 7, 2026.
