Police deny collecting N700,000 to release detained suspects in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command has dismissed claims that it received N700,000 to facilitate the release of a detained individual. In a statement released on Tuesday in Abakaliki, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, addressed allegations made by Mr. Justice Ozobi on social media. Ozobi's post alleged that the Commissioner of Police ordered the collection of N700,000 from six families for the release of their sons.

The command dismissed the post, citing numerous typographical errors, incoherent assertions, and lack of factual accuracy. They pointed out that the picture used in the post was of a former Commissioner of Police, suggesting a lack of research on the part of the author. The statement emphasized that the command, which does not handle land disputes, categorically denies any involvement in the alleged collection of funds for a land-related matter or for the release of detainees.

They described the allegation as grave and malicious, aimed at tarnishing the Commissioner's reputation and the command's integrity. The Ebonyi State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, discipline, accountability, and transparency, and promised to investigate allegations of misconduct on their merits if credible evidence is provided.

They called for restraint in the dissemination of information on social media, warning that the deliberate spread of false, malicious, or defamatory information would not be tolerated.