By Babalola Seyi
Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra State, has complimented the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, for establishing a special investigative panel to look into charges against top police officials operating at the Zone 13 Command, Ukpo-Dunukofia, and the Anambra State Police Command.
Soludo advised the public to be patient while waiting for the results of the investigations, which are due soon.
The governor further promised that if someone is found guilty, justice will be served, stressing that his government has zero tolerance for wrongdoing.
This followed charges made public by an internet platform that named one CSP Patrick Agbazue, the officer in charge of the command’s Rapid Reaction Team, as a part of a syndicate involved in the alleged kidnapping, torture, and murder of civilians.
A former governor of the state and a popular millionaire were also named, as was the Public Relations Officer of Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo-Dunukofia, SP Nwode Nkeiruka, and Inspector Harrison Akama, who is affiliated to the RRS in the state.
The governor’s remarks were detailed in a press statement released to media on Sunday by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime.
It was further reported that the governor had directed that the Attorney-General of Anambra State quickly summon and evaluate all files of cases on charges of conduct of offences constituted by state laws that were being handled by the RRS.
The statement read, “The attention of the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has been drawn to several media reports on alleged criminalities involving some police officers in Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, Anambra State and the alleged human rights abuses by some officers of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, Anambra State Command respectively.
“Preliminary inquiry has revealed that the Inspector-General of Police has set up a special investigation panel to investigate the allegations at the end of which a report would be issued.
“Soludo commends the Inspector General of Police for that timely intervention. Consequently, it has become imperative in light of the above to await the outcome of the investigations which is expected soonest.
“Soludo wishes to assure the entire public that the government is closely monitoring the situation and would ensure that justice is done at the end of the day if anyone is found culpable.
“In the meantime, the governor has requested the Attorney General of Anambra State to immediately call for, and review all the files of cases on allegations of commission of offences created by the laws of our State, being handled by the said RRS.
“This will enable the attorney general to give such directions or take such necessary legal actions in line with section 211 of the Constitution and sections 148, 149 and 150 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State 2022.
“The governor, therefore, appeals to the people of Anambra State and the entire public to remain patient and allow the law to take its due course.
“Ndi Anambra should be rest assured that the administration of Soludo has zero tolerance for criminality and would always allow the rule of law to reign supreme at all times while justice must be given to those who deserve it.”
