N600,000 bail: RULAAC welcomes police move to bring Jennifer, others to Abuja for investigation
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has welcomed the Nigeria Police Force’s decision to bring Ms. Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer and other parties involved in a disputed case before the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja for further investigation.
RULAAC disclosed this in a statement on Friday following its petition to the Inspector-General of Police over allegations surrounding Jennifer’s arrest and detention by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command.
According to the RULAAC, its petition was referred to the IGP X-Squad, FCID Abuja, for investigation. It said its representative, Mr. Ekpewerechi Chidi, appeared before the investigating team in Abuja on September 30 and formally adopted the petition through a written statement.
The intervention followed complaints by Jennifer that she was arrested after police officers searching for her brother could not locate him. She also alleged that she was detained for four days at the Rapid Response Squad facility in Awkuzu and that ₦600,000 was allegedly collected in connection with securing her release on bail.
The Anambra State Police Command has denied the allegation that ₦600,000 was collected for Jennifer’s bail, maintaining that she was arrested in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation.
RULAAC said the conflicting accounts made an independent and evidence-based investigation necessary, with all parties given an opportunity to present their accounts and relevant evidence examined.
The organisation said that during its representative’s meeting with the X-Squad investigation team, the Commissioner of Police reportedly assured him that Jennifer was safe and healthy.
RULAAC, however, said it had been unable to reach Jennifer after she informed the organisation that she had been re-invited by the police. It subsequently sought clarification on the basis of the assurance and on Jennifer’s current circumstances.
The police have now informed RULAAC that arrangements had been made to bring Jennifer and other parties involved to Abuja for a “comprehensive interview” with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the FCID, through the CP X-Squad, FCID Abuja.
RULAAC described the development as an opportunity to clarify the conflicting accounts surrounding the case and establish Jennifer’s circumstances through an impartial investigation.
RULAAC also called on the police to ensure that Jennifer has unhindered access to her family, lawyers and its representatives during the process.
RULAAC said such access would help reassure her family about her welfare and enable Jennifer to obtain independent legal advice before and during any interview or statement-taking process.
It urged the investigating authorities to ensure that any statement obtained from Jennifer is made freely and voluntarily, without intimidation, coercion, inducement or duress.
The organisation said allowing Jennifer access to a lawyer of her choice would strengthen public confidence in the investigation and protect the integrity of any evidence obtained.
RULAAC stressed that its intervention was not intended to prevent or shield Jennifer from lawful investigation.
“If credible evidence exists that she committed an offence known to law, she should be investigated in accordance with due process and, where the evidence warrants, brought before a court of competent jurisdiction,” the organisation said.
It also called for a thorough investigation into Jennifer’s allegations concerning the circumstances of her arrest and detention, as well as the alleged payment of ₦600,000 in connection with her bail.
RULAAC said any police officer or other person found responsible for wrongdoing should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The organisation commended the Inspector-General of Police for directing an investigation and the FCID/X-Squad leadership for the steps taken so far.
It urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation remains independent, transparent and evidence-driven while respecting the rights, dignity and safety of all parties.
