Anambra Police Deny Demanding Bribe for Release of Woman Linked to Cult-Killings Suspect

The Anambra State Police Command has denied allegations that it demanded ₦600,000 from a woman in exchange for her release, saying she was instead arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into cult-related killings in Awka.

The woman, identified as Ms Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer, is the sister of Nwosu Kenechukwu, who police say has emerged as a person of interest in the killings.

‘The command's investigation established that Nwosu Kenechukwu has emerged as a person of interest in ongoing investigations into several cult-related killings in Awka,' the command said in a statement issued Monday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

According to the statement, Jennifer became aware that police were trying to apprehend her brother and helped him evade arrest, which the command says is why she, not merely her family connection to the suspect, became the subject of the investigation.

‘Further investigation established that Ms Jennifer became aware of efforts by police operatives to apprehend her brother and subsequently assisted him in evading arrest,’ the statement said. ‘Her arrest was therefore made in the course of a legitimate criminal investigation arising from her alleged conduct, and not merely on account of her relationship with the suspect, as suggested in the publication.’

Ikenga said the clarification was necessary after an online publication, based on a letter reportedly written by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, alleged that Jennifer was arrested on August 31, 2026, solely because of the case against her brother, and that ₦600,000 was demanded for her release.

‘The Anambra State Police Command has noted an online publication, following a letter purportedly written by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, and dated September 5, 2026, concerning the arrest and subsequent release of Ms Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer,’ the command said.

‘The publication alleged that Ms Jennifer was arrested on August 31, 2026, not in connection with any offence allegedly committed by her, but solely in relation to police investigations involving her brother, Nwosu Kenechukwu, who was reportedly wanted in connection with an alleged murder case. It further alleged that the sum of ₦600,000 was demanded as a condition for her release. The command considers it necessary to clarify the facts and set the record straight.’

The command flatly rejected the bribery allegation.

‘The command also categorically and unequivocally denies the allegation that ₦600,000, or any other monetary consideration, was demanded as a condition for Ms Jennifer's release. At no time did the police demand or impose any financial payment as a condition for her release,’ the statement said.

It said Jennifer was ultimately released on bail after agreeing to cooperate with investigators.

‘Ms Jennifer was subsequently granted bail in accordance with established police procedures after undertaking to cooperate with investigators and assist in efforts to locate and apprehend her brother, who remains a person of interest in the ongoing investigation,’ the command said.

Ikenga said the command remains committed to the rule of law, due process and the protection of fundamental rights, but added that this does not stop police from taking lawful investigative action against people reasonably suspected of helping suspects evade arrest or otherwise interfering with investigations.

He said the command would not be distracted by unverified narratives capable of prejudicing its work or misleading the public.

‘Its focus remains on uncovering the circumstances surrounding the cult-related killings under investigation, identifying all persons connected to them, and ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law,' the statement said.

The command urged media organisations, civil society groups and members of the public to verify sensitive allegations with the appropriate authorities before publishing them, particularly where such reports could mislead the public, undermine confidence in law enforcement or compromise ongoing investigations.

‘The Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to professional, accountable and intelligence-driven policing, and will continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without fear, favour or distraction,’ the statement added.