The Ebonyi State Police Command has debunked allegations that it received N700,000 to secure the release of a detained suspect.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Tuesday.
The command said it was aware of social media posts by one Mr Justice Ozobi, who alleged that the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, ordered the collection of N700,000 each from six different families for the release of their sons.
“Ordinarily, the Command would have ignored the post, which is riddled with typographical errors, incoherent assertions, and a glaring lack of factual accuracy.
“The picture used in the post is that of the long-retired former Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, further demonstrating the author’s apparent lack of basic research and due diligence before publishing such a serious allegation,” the statement said.
According to the statement, “in the interest of clarity and to prevent the public from being misled, the Command wishes to state categorically that the allegation is false, unfounded, and without basis.”
The command said it does not handle land disputes, adding that any attempt to link the Commissioner of Police or the command to the alleged collection of money for a land-related matter or the release of persons allegedly arrested in connection with such a dispute was completely baseless.
The command described the allegation as grave and malicious, saying it was calculated to malign and impugn the integrity and reputation of the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, and distract the command from its ongoing efforts under her leadership to protect lives and property, prevent crime, and maintain peace and security across the state.
It said the Ebonyi State Police Command was committed to professionalism, discipline, accountability and transparency and would not condone any act capable of bringing the Force into disrepute.
“Any allegation of misconduct against a police officer will be given due consideration and investigated on its merits where credible evidence is provided,” the statement said.
The command called on members of the public to exercise restraint and responsibility in the dissemination of information on social media. While it respects the right of citizens to air their views and raise genuine concerns, it said the deliberate publication and circulation of false, malicious or defamatory information would not be tolerated.
The command said it remained resolute in its commitment to accountability, transparency and professional policing and would continue to take appropriate legal action against individuals who deliberately circulated false or defamatory information capable of misleading the public, in accordance with the law.
Police deny collecting N700,000 to release detained suspects in Ebonyi