Advocacy centre says complainant went silent after returning to Awkuzu police unit; Commissioner allegedly said she “betrayed” the Police
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has raised alarm over the whereabouts and safety of a woman, Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer, who reportedly went out of contact after returning to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu, Anambra State, formerly known as SARS.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the organisation said it has been unable to reach Ms Nwosu since she was due to report back to the unit on Monday, 7 September.
According to RULAAC, Ms Nwosu contacted it on 6 September and alleged that she was arrested on 31 August after police operatives failed to find her brother, who is reportedly wanted in connection with a murder allegation.
She said she was held for four days and repeatedly told to produce her brother, although no criminal allegation had been made against her.
She further told the organisation, in written communications, that ₦600,000 was paid on 3 September before she was released on what was described as administrative bail, and that no receipt was issued. She also alleged that her mobile phone was seized without a seizure form or property receipt.
She named the investigating officer as Mr Odoh Kingsley of RRS Awkuzu. She was directed to return to the station on 7 September and said she feared being detained again or facing further demands for money. She reportedly planned to attend with her lawyer and update RULAAC afterwards.
RULAAC said it wrote to the Anambra State Police Command seeking verification of the legal basis for her arrest and detention, an investigation of the alleged payment, clarification on the retention of her phone, and assurances that her return to the station would not result in further detention or intimidation. It stressed that the allegations required verification and that the Police were entitled to investigate any legitimate criminal complaint, including the one involving her brother.
RULAAC said it has not heard from Ms Nwosu since, and her phone has remained unreachable.
On the evening of 7 September, it said, the Police Public Relations Officer called and then connected it with the Commissioner of Police. According to RULAAC, the Commissioner said in substance that Ms Nwosu had “betrayed” the Police by reporting the matter to the group.
The Commissioner also reportedly said that, in the presence of her lawyer, she had denied telling RULAAC that ₦600,000 was demanded or obtained from her. RULAAC said this is difficult to reconcile with her written messages, in which she stated that the money was paid for her administrative bail and that no receipt was issued. She had also asked the group to help secure a receipt and a refund if no case was filed.
The organisation said it now faces two materially conflicting accounts and does not know why they differ, since it has been unable to speak with her.
The Police PRO also told RULAAC that the Commissioner had ordered Ms Nwosu’s rearrest, the group said. It has not been told what offence was involved, whether she is in custody, where she is held, or whether she has been taken to court.
The Commissioner was also said to have stated that she was initially released on the understanding that she would help the Police apprehend her brother. RULAAC said questioning a person believed to have relevant information is lawful, but a person’s liberty cannot be made conditional on producing another person.
RULAAC said anyone who believes their rights have been violated is entitled to seek legal help or approach a human-rights organisation without facing retaliation. It added that any retraction made after a complainant returns to the custody or control of the officials she complained about must be carefully and independently assessed.
The group said it was not alleging that Ms Nwosu was coerced into changing her account, saying it has no evidence for such a conclusion. But it said she must be allowed to communicate freely and confidentially with her lawyer, family and the organisation.
“Criminal responsibility is personal,” the statement said, adding that no one should be detained merely because police are looking for a relative.
RULAAC called on the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, to clarify whether Ms Nwosu was rearrested after reporting at RRS Awkuzu on 7 September, and, if so, the offence for which she was arrested and where she is detained. It also asked whether she has been or will be brought before a court, and whether her lawyer and family have unrestricted access to her.
The group further asked why seeking its help was described as a “betrayal,” and the circumstances in which she allegedly denied her earlier account of the ₦600,000 payment. It also wants to know whether the Command has independently investigated who received the money and why, and what the status is of her mobile phone.
The group also urged the Command to guarantee that she will suffer no reprisal, and said that if she is in custody, she must be given access to counsel and family and be released or promptly arraigned. It warned it would escalate the matter to police oversight and human-rights bodies if her status is not clarified promptly.
“No person should become a substitute suspect, hostage or bargaining instrument for the apprehension of another,” the organisation said, summing up its demand as: “Where is Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer, what is her current legal status, and is she safe?”
