The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered the immediate issuance of queries to the Divisional Police Officer of the 3-3 Police Station and a Deputy Superintendent of Police over the alleged disappearance of an armed robbery suspect from police custody.
The CP also directed the immediate commencement of disciplinary proceedings against an Inspector of Police following allegations surrounding the whereabouts of the suspect, who was reportedly arrested and brought to the station.
The directives were issued on Monday, October 5, after Oji Ama personally interviewed the complainant and police officers involved in the matter.
The development followed a viral video alleging that an armed robbery suspect arrested and brought to the police station could no longer be accounted for.
CP Orders X-Squad Investigation
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner described the allegation as serious and capable of undermining public confidence in the police.
Oji Ama directed the command’s X-Squad to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest, detention, documentation and subsequent whereabouts.
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The investigation will also examine the actions and responsibilities of the police officers involved.
The Commissioner said the command would not tolerate unprofessional conduct, dereliction of duty, abuse of office or any compromise of established police procedures.
Operational Measures Put In Place
The police boss disclosed that necessary operational measures had been put in place to facilitate the arrest of the suspect.
He assured members of the public that the command would communicate the outcome of the investigation once the facts had been established.
The Commissioner also cautioned members of the public against circulating unverified information that could prejudice the ongoing investigation.
He stressed that the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s whereabouts must be established through due process.
Police Officers Face Disciplinary Action
The CP reiterated that accountability remained a core part of his leadership philosophy, stressing that no police officer was above scrutiny or the established disciplinary process.
The command’s investigation is expected to determine what happened to the suspect after he was allegedly brought into custody and whether any officer breached established procedures.
The police have not disclosed the identity of the suspect or confirmed the circumstances of his disappearance pending the outcome of the investigation.
