Police deny collecting N600,000 to free murder suspect

The Anambra State Police Command has denied allegations that it collected N600,000 to secure the release of Miss Jennifer Nwosu, one of the suspects questioned in connection with the murder of Awka-based town crier and comedian, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as Aiza Nwosu.

The command described the allegation as false, insisting that Jennifer’s arrest and subsequent release were based solely on the ongoing investigation into the August 30, 2026 killing.

Speaking at a press conference at the state police headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command neither demanded nor received any payment in exchange for Jennifer’s freedom.

“The Anambra Police Command did not collect N600,000 to secure Miss Jennifer Nwosu’s release. Her arrest and subsequent release were connected to the ongoing investigation into the murder case.

“We are not a collection of angels, but the Anambra Police Command did not demand or collect N600,000, or any money whatsoever, as a condition for Miss Jennifer Nwosu’s release,” Ikenga said.

He disclosed that more than 12 suspects had so far been arrested over the killing of Isaac Nwosu, adding that investigators were also probing their alleged links to other cult-related murders in Awka.

According to him, Jennifer, a niece of the deceased, was among those arrested, while her brother, Kenechukwu Nwosu, who is also wanted in connection with the case, remains on the run.

Ikenga explained that Jennifer was taken into custody after investigators obtained information suggesting she might have relevant knowledge about the circumstances surrounding the murder.

He said that although Jennifer initially told investigators, in the presence of her lawyer, that she had not communicated with her brother for more than five years, police later uncovered evidence indicating they exchanged messages on the night Isaac Nwosu was killed.

According to the police spokesman, the communication allegedly included information about the victim’s death and a warning that officers were closing in on Kenechukwu.

“These are legitimate investigative issues that the police have a duty to clarify,” Ikenga said, stressing that being arrested or questioned during an investigation should not be interpreted as proof of guilt.

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He added that Jennifer was eventually released after agreeing to assist investigators in locating the principal suspect, whose arrest remains a priority.

Ikenga maintained that her release was part of lawful investigative procedures aimed at bringing the fugitive suspect to justice.

He also noted that the command remained guided by the provisions of the Anambra Criminal Code and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in carrying out investigations, granting bail and pursuing criminal cases.

The police spokesperson challenged anyone accusing officers of extortion, corruption or misconduct to provide credible and verifiable evidence to support such claims.

The clarification followed allegations by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), which raised concerns over Jennifer’s whereabouts and safety while claiming that N600,000 was paid to secure her release.