Ebonyi Police Deny Alleged ₦700,000 Payment For Release Of Suspects

The Ebonyi State Police Command has denied allegations that its Commissioner of Police ordered the collection of ₦700,000 from each of six families for the release of their sons arrested over a land dispute.

The allegation was made on social media by one Justice Ozobi, who claimed that the suspects were arrested at the instance of a traditional ruler in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, the police described the allegation as “false, unfounded, and without basis”.

The Command said the social media post contained “typographical errors, incoherent assertions, and a glaring lack of factual accuracy”.

It also faulted the photograph used in the post, saying it was that of a long-retired former Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State.

“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.

The police also clarified that it does not handle land disputes, insisting that any attempt to link the Commissioner or the Command to the alleged collection of money for a land-related matter was baseless.

“The allegation is grave and malicious, calculated to malign, 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 Command said it remained committed to professionalism, discipline, accountability and transparency, adding that any credible allegation of misconduct against a police officer would be investigated.

It challenged Ozobi to produce evidence supporting his claim.

“Rather than publish unsubstantiated and defamatory allegations apparently aimed at generating traffic and engagement on his social media platform, Mr Ozobi should have put out the alleged evidence,” the police said.

The Command urged members of the public to exercise restraint and responsibility when sharing information on social media.

It warned that deliberate publication and circulation of false, malicious or defamatory information capable of misleading the public would not be tolerated.

The police said it would take appropriate legal action against individuals who deliberately circulate false or defamatory information in accordance with the law.