By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has dismissed a publication making the rounds that its operatives demanded and collected the sum of ₦600,000 from Jennifer Nwosu, niece of the late popular comedian, Azia Nwosu, for her release from custody over the ongoing investigation into a cult-related murder in Awka, the state capital.

Late Aiza, as he was fondly called, was shot and killed two weeks ago by a yet to be identified assailants.

Speaking during a press conference held at the state Police Command in Amawbia on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, dismissed the claim which was made through a Civil Society Organization, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)

He called on the public to disregard the publication, saying that they cannot be distracted in the investigation by diversionary tactics.

Ama who appreciated the civil society organisations, human rights groups and the media for their continued interest in policing, particularly in promoting accountability, transparency and respect for human rights, stressed that the Command welcomes legitimate scrutiny of its activities at all times.

He added: "Setting the record straight on allegations surrounding the arrest and subsequent release of Miss Jennifer Nwosu, particularly the claim that ₦600,000 was paid for her release. Let me state this clearly, the Anambra State Police Command did not demand or collect ₦600,000, or any money whatsoever, as a condition for Miss Nwosu’s release.

“The Command is investigating a cult-related murder in Awka. As part of that investigation, the Police are examining individuals and circumstances that may assist in identifying the perpetrators and locating the principal suspect who remains at large.

“During interrogation, conducted in the presence of her lawyer, Miss Nwosu denied communicating with the suspect for over five years.

"However, information available to investigators indicates that there was communication between her and the suspect on the night of the incident.

“The communication under investigation included information concerning the death of the victim and an alert to the suspect that the Police were closing in on him.

While noting that these were legitimate investigative issues that the Police had a duty to clarify, the CP said, “For clarity, being invited, arrested or questioned in connection with an investigation is not a declaration of guilt. The Command remains guided by due process and the presumption of innocence.

“Miss Nwosu was subsequently released after offering to assist investigators in locating and apprehending the suspect at large.

“Her release was therefore connected to the ongoing investigation and the need to explore every lawful means of bringing the principal suspect to justice.

“The Command is aware of concerns subsequently raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and has responded to the issues raised.

“The Police cannot be distracted in our investigation by diversionary tactics by accusing the police of collecting money for release."

According to the CP, the Command is also mindful of section 83 of the Criminal Code of Anambra State, which provides for liability where a person becomes an accessory after the fact to a felony.

“Similarly, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law provides the legal framework for bail and criminal proceedings.

“The Police will continue to exercise their investigative responsibilities within the law and will take necessary lawful steps where circumstances require further investigation.

"The Command wishes to make these points unequivocally clear: "No ₦600,000 was demanded or collected for Miss Nwosu’s release.

“Her arrest was connected to an ongoing investigation into a cult-related murder in Awka. Investigators identified communication between her and the suspect at large as relevant to the investigation.

“She was released after offering to assist the Police in locating the suspect but does otherwise and the investigation remains ongoing.

“The Command remains committed to accountability, transparency, professionalism and respect for fundamental human rights.

“We welcome scrutiny, but we also urge individuals and organisations making allegations of extortion, corruption or misconduct to support such claims with credible and verifiable evidence. As the law recognises, he who alleges must prove.

“The Anambra State Police Command will continue to pursue this investigation professionally, objectively and without fear or favour, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that justice is served", Ama stated.