Residents and indigenes of the Isuaniocha community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State have raised the alarm over widespread insecurity, terror, and human rights violations in their domain.
They also alleged that over 23 community members were on remand in Awka prison, noting that five people were detained in zone 13 cell and two elderly men were detained in a private cell.
The community appealed to the acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun to intervene and save them.
The Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma; and the President-General of the community, Paul Okoye told journalists that one Inspector Matthew Abu Michael of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Abuja was acting the script of a former community leader, Anthony Onyeagolu.
Several calls, WhatsApp, and SMS to the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Muyiwa Adejobi were not replied to.
But the Inspector said on Saturday that the community members were wasting their time
He said: “They’re wasting their time, the information is pure lies. In the matter, I’ve three commissioners of police in charge of that case.
“All that happened in that matter are official. There’s nothing to hide, I’ll not let it go, I’ve told the IG to give me permission”.
He claimed that the Inspector is frustrating the trial of the ex-community leader. Nwanguma alleged that over 23 community members were on remand in Awka prison, five were detained in zone 13 cell, and two elderly men were detained in Anthony Onyeagolu’s private cell in the community where they are being tortured following their arrest by the police Insp6ector.
He called on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to intervene before the crisis could lead to war.
Nwanguma said, “We also requested the governor to prevail on the then Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission to restrain Inspector Matthew Abu Michael and to ensure an unbiased and exhaustive investigation into the serious allegations against him.
“We hereby call on the current IGP to order an impartial and exhaustive investigation into the activities of this notorious Inspector Matthew Abu Michael and ensure that appropriate disciplinary actions are taken against him for offering his services as a police officer for selfish benefit to derail justice and terrorize innocent community members who are seeking justice and peace in their community.
“He should be directed to stop further interference and to allow the trial of those involved in murder and attempted murder cases to continue unhindered so that justice can be served.
“He should be ordered to immediately withdraw from the Isuaniocha community and allow peace to prevail”.
