…urge Governor Soludo to be cautious of saboteurs
Anambra-born Human Rights Activist and National Convener of the Recover Nigeria Project (RNP), Comrade Osita Obi has called for urgent interrogstion and investigation of the immediate past Commissioner of Police, Anambra, Nnaghe Itam over escape of suspected murderers of House of Assembly Member, Hon Justice Azuka
Recall that the Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, over the week, announced the escape of two of the suspects involved in the kidnap and murder of Hon. Azuka, a sitting member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing the Onitsha South 1 Constituency — a development that has continued to attract reactions and counter-reactions from different quarters.
Speaking to newsmen on Friday, 21st Feb, 2024, Obi described the a deliberate act of negligence and unprofessionalism insisting that the immediate-past CP of the State, CP Itam, must be held accountable for the shocking escape since the incident happened on February 8, before he was transferred out of the state. He accused CP Itam of gross incompetence and complicity, alleging that the escape was premeditated and executed under his watch.
According to Comr Obi “This was not an accident; it appears like a well-planned deal. The police authorities must recall CP Itam to explain how the key suspects vanished under his leadership. He should not be rewarded with another role but dismissed and investigated,” Obi asserted.
He recounted his previous encounters with CP Itam, revealing that he had personally advised him to build upon the good work of his predecessor, CP Aderemi Adeoye, but was ignored. Obi disclosed that the former CP ignored critical security concerns and left the state vulnerable to criminal activities.
Expressing outrage over the manner in which the suspects disappeared, Obi questioned why they were not handcuffed and why police escorts allowed them to drive freely. He alleged that the operation was deliberately concealed from the new Commissioner of Police, who only discovered the escape eight days after assuming office.
“Why wasn’t he briefed? Why did they keep it secret? This was a calculated attempt to let them escape, and those responsible must face the law,” Obi added
While acknowledging that corruption within the Anambra Police Command predates CP Itam, Obi pointed fingers at certain government officials who he claimed have aided and abetted criminality.
Obi also dismissed the recent attempts by Fr. Ebube Muonso, to link Governor Soludo to the escape, clarifying that federal security agencies operate independently of the state government.
“The Governor does not control the police or DSS. This is purely a police matter, and Soludo has no hand in it,” he emphasized.
Nevertheless, he urged the Governor to be cautious of saboteurs within his administration who might be working against his security efforts. He also called for an overhaul of the Anambra Police Command, stressing that officers who have spent decades in the state should be transferred to restore efficiency and accountability.
Obi further criticized what he described as premature praise for the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, warning that the people of Anambra expect results, not publicity stunts. He noted that the new Commissioner is showing signs of competence and commitment, and should not allow himself to be distracted.
“I learnt some are already giving him awards barely six days in office. Award for what? Let him deliver first,” he cautioned.
While re-echoing his calls, the activist insisted that the matter about the escape of the suspects cannot be swept under the carpet and that Anambra people will not rest, until those behind the escape of the suspects are brought to book. He urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission to act swiftly, warning that failure to do so would further erode public trust in the Force.