The Anambra State Police Command has rejected allegations that its officers collected N600,000 or any other payment to secure the release of a woman arrested in connection with the investigation into the killing of Awka-based Master of Ceremonies, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as Aiza Nwosu, and another unidentified victim.

The victims were reportedly killed in separate incidents in Awka, the state capital, last week, with the deaths suspected to be connected to cult-related violence.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, made the clarification on Wednesday during a briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka.

Ikenga said the command had not demanded or received any money as a condition for releasing the suspect, adding that anyone accusing police personnel of extortion or corruption should provide verifiable evidence.

The denial followed concerns raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) over the woman’s reported rearrest at the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu.

RULAAC had alleged that the woman contacted the organisation on September 6, claiming she was arrested on August 31 because the police were searching for her brother, who was allegedly wanted over a murder case.

The organisation further claimed that N600,000 was paid on September 3 for her administrative bail, but that no receipt was issued. It also alleged that her mobile phone was taken without a seizure form or property receipt.

RULAAC said the woman was later rearrested and called for clarification on her location, legal status, detention conditions and access to her lawyer and family.

Responding to the concerns, Ikenga said the police were investigating the alleged cult-related killings and were working to identify those responsible and apprehend the principal suspect, who remains at large.

He explained that the woman was rearrested after investigators obtained additional information suggesting that she could provide relevant details to the investigation.

According to him, she was questioned in the presence of her lawyer after investigators received information they considered important to the case.

Ikenga said the woman had denied communicating with the principal suspect for more than five years, but investigators had uncovered evidence of communication between them on the night of the incident.

He said the communication being examined included details relating to the victim’s death and an alleged warning sent to the principal suspect that police operatives were closing in on him.

The police spokesman stressed that an arrest or questioning in connection with a criminal investigation did not amount to a declaration of guilt, noting that the command was committed to due process and the presumption of innocence.

Ikenga said the woman was eventually released after she indicated her willingness to assist investigators in tracking down the principal suspect.

He maintained that her release was connected to the ongoing investigation and the police’s efforts to apprehend the person they believe to be central to the case.

The PPRO also dismissed the allegation that money was exchanged for her release, describing it as an attempt to divert attention from the murder investigation.

He said the command would not allow such allegations to distract officers from their efforts to solve the killings.

Ikenga said the investigation was still in progress and confirmed that the communication allegedly exchanged between the woman and the principal suspect remained part of the issues being examined.

While welcoming scrutiny from civil society groups, human rights organisations and the media, he urged anyone making allegations of police corruption, extortion or misconduct to support them with credible and verifiable evidence.

He assured the public that the command would continue its investigation professionally and objectively, with the aim of bringing those responsible for the killings to justice.