Police Arrest 12 Over Killing Of Comedian, Deny N600,000 Bail Allegation
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 12 suspects in connection with the killing of popular comedian and town crier, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as “Aiza Nwosu”, and other cult-related killings in Awka, the state capital.
The command also denied allegations that its officers collected N600,000 to secure the release of Nwosu Jennifer, said to be the sister of one of the suspects. The command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made the clarification on Wednesday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Awka.
Ikenga said Jennifer’s arrest and subsequent release were part of the ongoing investigation into the murder, insisting that the command neither demanded nor collected money for her release. He challenged anyone alleging extortion or corruption against the police to produce credible evidence.
The clarification followed an alarm raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) over Jennifer’s reported return to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu. RULAAC had alleged that she was arrested on August 31 over her brother’s alleged connection to the murder and that N600,000 was paid on September 3 for her “administrative bail”, without a receipt being issued. The group also alleged that her phone was seized without a property receipt and later demanded disclosure of her whereabouts and legal status.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding her arrest, Ikenga said investigators discovered that Jennifer had communicated with the principal suspect on the night of the killing, despite her claim, made in the presence of her lawyer, that she had not communicated with him for more than five years. He said the communication reportedly included information about the victim’s death and a warning that police were closing in on the suspect.
Ikenga said Jennifer was subsequently released after offering to assist investigators in locating and apprehending the suspect, stressing that her release was connected to the ongoing investigation. He added that the command remained committed to pursuing the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
