Police Arrest 12 People Over Killing Of Anambra Comedian Aiza Nwosu

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested at least 12 people over the killing of popular comedian and town crier Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as Aiza Nwosu, as well as other cult-related deaths recorded in Awka.

The command also denied claims that its officers collected N600,000 before releasing Jennifer Nwosu, who was arrested during investigations into the murder.

The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, addressed the issue during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Awka on Wednesday.

Ikenga said Jennifer’s arrest and release were part of the investigation and rejected allegations that police officers demanded or received money from her.

He challenged anyone with evidence of extortion or corruption involving the case to present it to the appropriate authorities.

The police response followed concerns raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) over Jennifer’s reported return to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu.

RULAAC had earlier claimed that Jennifer contacted the organisation on September 6 and said she was arrested on August 31 because the police were searching for her brother, who was reportedly wanted over an alleged murder.

The organisation alleged that Jennifer spent four days in detention before N600,000 was paid on September 3 for her administrative bail.

It also claimed that no receipt was issued for the payment and that her phone was taken without a proper seizure or property receipt.

RULAAC further said the Commissioner of Police told the organisation that Jennifer, in the presence of her lawyer, denied that police officers demanded or collected the money.

The group said this was inconsistent with Jennifer’s earlier account and later raised concerns about her alleged rearrest.

It called for information about her whereabouts, legal status and place of detention, as well as access to her lawyer and family.

RULAAC also warned that it could report the matter to police oversight and human rights bodies if the issues were not properly addressed.

Responding to the allegations, Ikenga said the police were aware of RULAAC’s concerns and had provided explanations regarding the case.

He said, “Let me begin by appreciating civil society organisations, human rights groups and the media for their continued interest in policing, particularly in promoting accountability, transparency and respect for human rights.

“The Command welcomes legitimate scrutiny of its activities. However, we are here today to set the record straight on allegations surrounding the arrest and subsequent release of Miss Jennifer Nwosu, particularly the claim that ₦600,000 was paid for her release.

“Let me state this clearly: the Anambra State Police Command did not demand or collect ₦600,000, or any money whatsoever, as a condition for Miss Nwosu’s release.

“The Command is investigating a cult-related murder in Awka. As part of that investigation, the Police are examining individuals and circumstances that may assist in identifying the perpetrators and locating the principal suspect who remains at large.

“During interrogation, conducted in the presence of her lawyer, Miss Nwosu denied communicating with the suspect for over five years.

“However, information available to investigators indicated that there was communication between her and the suspect on the night of the incident.

“The communication under investigation included information concerning the death of the victim and an alert to the suspect that the Police were closing in on him.”

Ikenga explained that the issues raised during the investigation were considered relevant and required clarification.

The police said Jennifer was eventually released after she offered to help investigators locate and arrest the suspect who was still at large.

“The command has so far arrested no fewer than 12 persons in connection with the killing of the late Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as ‘Aiza Nwosu’, as well as other cult-related killings in Awka.

“The Command is aware of concerns subsequently raised by RULAAC and has responded to the issues raised.

“The Police cannot be distracted in our investigation by diversionary tactics by accusing the police of collecting money for release.

“The Command is also mindful of Section 83 of the Criminal Code of Anambra State, which provides for liability where a person becomes an accessory after the fact to a felony.

“Similarly, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law provides the legal framework for bail and criminal proceedings.

“The Police will continue to exercise their investigative responsibilities within the law and will take necessary lawful steps where circumstances require further investigation.

“The Command wishes to make these points unequivocally clear that no ₦600,000 was demanded or collected for Miss Nwosu’s release. Her arrest was connected to an ongoing investigation into a cult-related murder in Awka.

“Investigators identified communication between her and the suspect at large as relevant to the investigation.

“She was released after offering to assist the Police in locating the suspect but does otherwise.

“The investigation remains ongoing. The Command remains committed to accountability, transparency, professionalism and respect for fundamental human rights.

“We welcome scrutiny, but we also urge individuals and organisations making allegations of extortion, corruption or misconduct to support such claims with credible and verifiable evidence.

“As the law recognises, he who alleges must prove. The Anambra State Police Command will continue to pursue this investigation professionally, objectively and without fear or favour, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that justice is served.”

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