A law firm and community leaders in Imo state have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, alleging that the investigation into the activities of a dangerous kidnapping gang is being deliberately compromised.

The firm, Kelvin Okoroafor and Associates, representing the “Concerned Citizens of Ohoba Autonomous Community,” claimed that the community was living in “utter fear” of reprisal attacks.

A representative of the community, Paul Ikechukwu, during a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, said the case began with the arrest of a suspect named Emma Asso by the Tiger Base Anti-Kidnapping Squad (TBAS) on intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to him, Asso allegedly confessed to receiving a N500,000 ransom and the victim’s son, Frank, was also handed over to the police as a suspect after the DSS found evidence of communication with the gang.

However, the community alleged a cover-up was underway.

The petition specifically named the investigating police officer, Supol. Moses Ogarabe, and his team, claiming he was from the same community as the suspect.

The law firm alleged that Ogarabe had been “frustratingly stifling” the investigation and had threatened community leaders for raising the alarm about a potential release.

They described the criminals as “highly dangerous,” armed with AK-47s and grenade launchers, and allegedly responsible for the deaths of four people whose decapitated bodies were found in the area.

The community is demanding a “total cleansing” and a thorough probe to bring all culprits to justice.

The plea has also been officially copied to the Imo State Commissioner of Police and the Director General of the DSS.

In response to the allegations, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, stated that the police were aware of the petition and had begun an investigation.

He assured the public that the Command would ensure justice was served. (Blueprint)