Anambra Police have denied allegations that officers collected ₦600,000 to secure the release of Jennifer Nwosu, who was arrested during investigations into the murder of Isaac Nwosu in Awka.
The Anambra State Police Command has denied allegations that it collected ₦600,000 to secure the release of Miss Jennifer Nwosu, one of the suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Awka-based public announcer and comedian, Isaac Nwosu.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made the clarification on Wednesday during a news conference at the command headquarters in Awka.
Ikenga said Jennifer’s arrest and subsequent release were connected solely to the ongoing investigation into the murder of Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as Aiza Nwosu, and not to the payment of any money.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The police spokesman said the command had arrested more than 12 suspects allegedly linked to the August 30, 2026 murder and other suspected cult-related killings in Awka.
According to him, Jennifer Nwosu, a niece of the victim, was among those arrested, while her brother, Kenechukwu Nwosu, who police described as a principal suspect, remains at large.
Ikenga said Jennifer was arrested following information obtained by investigators concerning her alleged role in events surrounding the case.
He said that during interrogation conducted in the presence of her lawyer, Jennifer initially claimed she had neither seen nor communicated with her brother for the past five years.
However, the police said investigators subsequently obtained information indicating that she communicated with Kenechukwu on the night Isaac Nwosu was murdered.
According to Ikenga, the communication being investigated included information concerning the victim’s death and an alleged warning to the suspect that police operatives were closing in on him.
“These are legitimate investigative issues that the police have a duty to clarify,” he said.
The police spokesman stressed that being arrested, invited or questioned during an investigation did not amount to a declaration of guilt.
“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,” Ikenga said.
He explained that Jennifer was subsequently released after offering to assist the police in locating and apprehending the principal suspect, who remains at large.
According to him, her release was connected to the ongoing investigation and the need to explore every lawful means of bringing the suspect to justice.
Ikenga said the command remained mindful of relevant provisions of the Criminal Code and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law regarding persons who could be considered accessories after the fact to a felony, as well as the legal framework governing bail and criminal proceedings.
He said the police would continue to carry out their investigative responsibilities within the law and take further lawful action where necessary.
The command was responding to concerns raised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) over the whereabouts and safety of Jennifer Nwosu, following allegations that ₦600,000 was paid to secure her release.
The police spokesman challenged anyone alleging extortion, corruption or misconduct by officers of the command to provide credible and verifiable evidence for investigation.
He said the command remained committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the murder and ensuring that all those found culpable were brought to justice.
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