An Awka-based lawyer, R. O Okonkwo, has urged Nigerian police authorities to investigate the activities of Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Mr. Akin Fakorade, alleging misconduct and corruption within the department.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, Barrister Okonkwo accused the deputy police commissioner of prioritizing personal gain over crime prevention, particularly in land-related disputes, allegedly exploiting such cases for financial gain.
According to Okonkwo, officers at the SCID are reluctant to be transferred from Anambra due to opportunities for illicit gains through involvement in land disputes, which often involve coercion and abuse of power.
He highlighted a specific case involving his client, Mr. Osita Odugwe from Umunya in Oyi LGA, embroiled in a land dispute. Despite the matter being before the courts, Okonkwo claimed that the police failed to investigate allegations against his client properly and instead detained him for seven days, demanding a payment of N100,000 for bail.
Furthermore, Okonkwo alleged that the head of Anambra SCID favored the opposing party in the land dispute, even providing security assistance for their activities.
Additionally, the lawyer cited cases involving Mrs. Christy Okoye and her co-wife, Mrs. Ebele Okoye, as well as one Ifeanyi Agbasi, where he claimed police officers exerted undue influence to favor one party over the other.
In response to the allegations, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that he was not aware of the issue but promised to investigate and provide further information. However, as of press time, there was no update from the police spokesperson.
