The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has voiced concerns over the influence of powerful individuals undermining security efforts by securing the release of arrested cultists and criminals.
Addressing reporters during his visit to the Anambra NUJ Press Centre in Awka for the April Congress of the union, Anambra CP Adeoye highlighted instances where influential locals had intervened to release remanded suspects, leading to a resurgence of criminal activities in the state.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, representing CP Adeoye, revealed that despite efforts to combat security breaches, some individuals have lobbied the judiciary for the release of arrested cultists, subsequently contributing to recent attacks on police stations and a surge in cult-related killings in Awka.
CP Adeoye cited recent incidents where firearms, including an AK-47 and three Beretta pistols, were recovered from suspects in Awada, Ogidi, and Ekwulobia.
He emphasized the potential catastrophic consequences if these weapons had not been intercepted by law enforcement.
Expressing dismay at the sabotage of security efforts, CP Adeoye questioned the motives behind sponsoring crimes in society. However, he reassured the public that the police would intensify efforts to combat criminal elements in Anambra State.
He stated, “When those things that have happened over a period of time begin to happen again, the question people should ask is why?
“Could you imagine that the cultists we arrested, charged to court, and got remanded in prison custody that some powerful locals are going to the judiciary to lobby to get them released? And some have been released. And they are the ones unleashing this mayhem again! That is number one.
Speaking further, he disclosed, “Two, you must have heard of the AK-47 we recently recovered from a suspect in Awada. What the suspect told us was that they procured it for him to engage in a showdown with a rival cult group. Now, if that AK-47 was not recovered or had joined the recent cult-related clash, could you imagine what the casualty level would have been?”
“We are already going after the cultists; and if we find that anybody is subverting justice, or is subverting due process, to get the cultists off the hook, they will face the music, notwithstanding whether the person is in the judiciary or civil populace,” he added.
