Anambra: Police deny collecting ₦600,000 to free murder suspect

The police command in Anambra State has denied allegations that it collected ₦600,000 to free Jennifer Nwosu, one of the 12 suspects linked to the murder of Isaac Nwosu on 30 August 2026 in Awka.

Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, clarified during a news conference on Wednesday at the command headquarters in Awka.

“The Anambra Police Command did not collect ₦600,000 to secure Miss Jennifer Nwosu’s release. Her arrest and subsequent release were connected to the ongoing investigation into the murder case.

“We are not a collection of angels, but the Anambra Police Command did not demand or collect ₦600,000, or any money whatsoever, as a condition for Miss Jennifer Nwosu’s release,” he said.

Mr Ikenga said the command had arrested over 12 suspects allegedly linked to the murder of Awka-based public announcer, comedian and town crier, Mr Nwosu, popularly known as Aiza Nwosu.

He said they were also linked to other cult-related killings in Awka.

According to him, his niece, Miss Nwosu, was among those arrested, while his nephew, Kenechukwu Nwosu, remains at large.

He dismissed the allegation as false and challenged anyone alleging extortion, corruption or other misconduct against police officers to produce credible and verifiable evidence.

The spokesperson explained that Mr Kenechukwu, who is at large, is also a suspect in the murder case.

He said Miss Nwosu was arrested based on information regarding the role she allegedly played during the investigation.

According to him, during interrogation, Miss Nwosu initially claimed that she had neither seen nor spoken to her brother in the past five years.

“However, investigators subsequently discovered that she had communicated with Mr Kenechukwu Nwosu on the night of Mr Isaac Nwosu’s murder.

“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 is at large.

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

Mr Ikenga, however, said information available to investigators indicated that there was communication between Miss Nwosu 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.

“These are legitimate investigative issues that the police have a duty to clarify.

“For clarity, being invited, arrested or questioned in connection with an investigation is not a declaration of guilt, and the command remains guided by due process and the presumption of innocence,” he said.

Why the suspect was released – Police

The police spokesperson said that Miss Nwosu was subsequently released after offering to assist the police in locating and apprehending the principal suspect, who remains at large.

He said her release was, therefore, connected to the ongoing investigation and the need to explore every lawful means of bringing the principal suspect to justice.

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Mr Ikenga also said the command was mindful of Section 83 of the Criminal Code of Anambra, 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,” he said.

The police were responding to an alarm raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) regarding the whereabouts and safety of Miss Nwosu after she allegedly paid ₦ 600,000 for her release.