The Anambra State Police Command has denied allegations that it demanded or collected ₦600,000 for the release of Miss Jennifer Nwosu, insisting that her arrest and subsequent release were strictly connected to an ongoing investigation into a cult-related murder in Awka.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the Command said it appreciated the role of civil society organisations, human rights groups and the media in promoting accountability and transparency in policing.
It noted the need to correct what it called misinformation surrounding the case. The Command stated unequivocally that no money was demanded or received as a condition for Miss Nwosu’s release.
According to the police, detectives are currently investigating a cult-related killing in Awka and are working to apprehend the principal suspect who remains at large. “As part of the investigation, Miss Nwosu was invited and interrogated in the presence of her lawyer. During questioning, she reportedly denied having communicated with the suspect for over five years”.
However, the Command said information available to investigators indicated that there was communication between her and the suspect on the night of the incident.
Police alleged that the exchange included details concerning the death of the victim and a warning to the suspect that law enforcement officers were closing in on him.
The Command emphasized that being invited, arrested or questioned in connection with an investigation does not amount to a declaration of guilt, and maintained that due process and the presumption of innocence remain central to its operations.
The police explained that Miss Nwosu was later released after she offered to assist investigators in locating and apprehending the suspect.
The Command said the decision was part of efforts to explore every lawful avenue toward bringing the principal suspect to justice. It added that it was aware of concerns raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, and had responded to the issues raised, while cautioning against what it described as diversionary tactics aimed at distracting from the investigation by accusing the police of corruption.
The Command also referenced the legal framework guiding its actions, citing Section 83 of the Anambra State Criminal Code which provides for liability where a person becomes an accessory after the fact to a felony, as well as provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law relating to bail and criminal proceedings.
It stressed that all investigative steps would continue to be taken within the ambit of the law.
In summarizing its position, the Command reiterated five key points: that no ₦600,000 was demanded or collected for Miss Nwosu’s release; that her arrest was connected to an ongoing investigation into a cult-related murder in Awka; that investigators identified communication between her and the suspect as relevant to the case; that she was released after offering to assist police in locating the suspect; and that the investigation remains ongoing.
The Command further urged individuals and organisations making allegations of extortion, corruption or misconduct to support such claims with credible and verifiable evidence, noting that “he who alleges must prove.”
The Anambra State Police Command said it remains committed to accountability, transparency, professionalism and respect for fundamental human rights, and assured that it would continue to pursue the investigation professionally, objectively and without fear or favour until justice is served.
