Save us from Police harassment – Community begs Governor, IGP
Residents of Isuaniocha community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to the state governor, Charles Soludo, and the Acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to save them from the reign of faceless gunmen and corrupt police officers that terrorise their area and violate their human rights.
According to The PUNCH, the residents said that no fewer than 23 members of the community have been illegally remanded at the Awka prison and that five other people with two elderly men are being detained in zone 13 cell and a private cell in the state.
While disclosing this to newsmen in Awka, the state capital recently, the Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, and the President-General of the community, Paul Okoye, said one Inspector Matthew Abu Michael of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Abuja was acting the script of a former community leader, Anthony Onyeagolu.
Nwanguma claimed that the Inspector is frustrating the trial of the ex-community leader. Nwanguma alleged that over 23 community members were on remand in Awka prison, five were detained in zone 13 cell, and two elderly men were detained in Anthony Onyeagolu’s private cell in the community where they are being tortured following their arrest by the police Inspector.
He called on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to intervene before the crisis could lead to war.
Nwanguma said, “We also requested the governor to prevail on the then Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission to restrain Inspector Matthew Abu Michael and to ensure an unbiased and exhaustive investigation into the serious allegations against him.
“We hereby call on the current IGP to order an impartial and exhaustive investigation into the activities of this notorious Inspector Matthew Abu Michael and ensure that appropriate disciplinary actions are taken against him for offering his services as a police officer for selfish benefit to derail justice and terrorize innocent community members who are seeking justice and peace in their community.
“He should be directed to stop further interference and to allow the trial of those involved in murder and attempted murder cases to continue unhindered so that justice can be served.
“He should be ordered to immediately withdraw from the Isuaniocha community and allow peace to prevail,” he added.
But while the state Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, could not be reached for comments on the matter, the accused Inspector Michael told PUNCH that the community members were wasting their time
He said, “They’re wasting their time, the information is pure lies. In the matter, I’ve three commissioners of police in charge of that case.
“All that happened in that matter are official. There’s nothing to hide, I’ll not let it go, I’ve told the IG to give me permission.”
