…Squad now fielding questions at Abuja
… IGP sets up panel to investigate allegations
…Panel given two weeks to complete investigation
Juliana Francis
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has set up a special investigation panel to look into allegations of extrajudicial killings levelled against four police personnel, Patrick Chukwuemeka Agbaze, a Chief Superintendent of Police, Princess Nwode, a Superintendent of Police, Arthur Eze and Inspector Harrison Akama, in Anambra State.
The Panel, under the IGP Monitoring and Mentoring Unit is to commence investigations into some weighty allegations of unprofessionalism, high-handedness, and extra-judicial killings leveled against its officers serving at the Zone 13 Command, Ukpo-Dunukofia, and the Anambra State Command on social media platforms.
The Squad was alleged of targeting Yahoo boys and returnees from overseas. They were also alleged of arresting civilians on trump-up charges, torture them to death and then take over their exotic vehicles. They were also alleged to be in the habit of emptying the bank accounts of their victims.
In a press statement, Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said: “In light of the serious allegations leveled against the officers – CSP Patrick Agbazue, officer-in-charge of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anambra State Command, SP Nwode Nkeiruka, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo-Dunukofia, and Inspector Harrison Akama attached to the RRS, they reported at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja today Friday 17th February 2023, on the directives of the IGP for commencement of investigations to ascertain the veracity of the allegations for further necessary action.”
According to Adejobi, the panel has been given a period of two weeks to come up with a report of investigations.
The image maker further stated: “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 the same with detailed information via mobile number 08036242591, or by email via pressforabuja@police.gov.ng, igpmufhq@npf-c4i.com to enable the panel to achieve a wholistic investigation.”
He explained that the IGP has assured Nigerians that the findings of the investigations will determine the next line of action, even as he promises that the Force will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is done in the case and sanctions meted to any officers found guilty accordingly.
