The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered an investigation into the alleged disappearance of an armed robbery suspect who was reportedly arrested and taken to the 3-3 Police Station in the state.
The Commissioner also directed that queries be issued to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the station and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) over the incident.
He further ordered the immediate commencement of disciplinary proceedings against an Inspector of Police whose role in the matter is being scrutinised.
The directives followed a viral video alleging that an armed robbery suspect who had been arrested and brought to the police station could no longer be accounted for.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, CP Oji Ama took the decision on Monday, October 5, after personally interviewing the complainant and the police officers involved.
The Commissioner described the allegation as a serious matter capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
He warned that the command would not tolerate unprofessional conduct, dereliction of duty, abuse of office or any attempt by officers to compromise established police procedures.
As part of efforts to establish what happened, the Commissioner directed the Command’s X-Squad to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest, detention, documentation and subsequent whereabouts.
The investigation will also examine the actions and responsibilities of all officers connected to the case.
CP Oji Ama disclosed that operational measures had already been put in place to facilitate the arrest of the suspect, while assuring the public that the command would make the outcome of the investigation known once the facts had been established.
The Commissioner, however, urged members of the public to refrain from circulating unverified information that could interfere with or prejudice the ongoing investigation.
He stressed that the facts of the case must be established through due process.
Reaffirming his commitment to accountability, the Anambra Police Commissioner said no police officer would be shielded from scrutiny or the established disciplinary process.