Nigeria Police Force has paraded 17 suspected murderers after its men raided Enohia Itim village in Afikpo local government area of Ebonyi state on the ground that the suspects allegedly resorted to jungle justice and burned to death a man suspected of witchcraft activities, just as its men in Imo State command invaded kidnappers’ hideout and rescued 4 hostages.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Spokesperson while parading the suspects on Monday before newsmen in Abuja, said two among the kidnappers in Imo State were shot dead during gun battle on Saturday.

“In a remarkable display of courage and commitment, Police Operatives attached to the Imo State Command successfully executed a daring rescue operation that led to the safe liberation of 4 kidnapped hostages.

The operation was carried out on Saturday, January 4th 2025, after the operatives received a distress call reporting the abduction of 4 persons in Umuokanne, Ohaji Local government area, Imo State.

The police operatives swiftly swung into action, locating the criminal hideout and engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun-duel, during which 2 of the kidnappers were neutralized.

The success of the operation led to the rescue of the 4 victims and the recovery of 1 Ak-47 rifle, 1 Ak-47 magazine and 21 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition.

The Force reaffirms its resolute devotion to combatting heinous crimes such as this, and assures members of the public that efforts to rid off criminal elements from our society will continue relentlessly, ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

In another development, on the 3rd of January 2025, Police operatives attached to the Ebonyi State Command arrested 17 suspects in Enohia Itim village, Afikpo Local Government Area for the murder of one Uromchi Okorocha ‘male’, who was accused by local youths of being involved in the killing of several individuals through alleged witchcraft and spiritual means.

The suspects had mobilized and apprehended the deceased, but instead of handing him over to legal authorities and committing to the rule of law, they decided to take laws into their hands, becoming judge, jury and executioner.

The police operatives of the Uwanna Division mobilized tactical teams to the scene on a rescue mission but the angry mob had already killed and burned Mr Okorocha before the arrival of the Police team.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun condemns this act of jungle justice in totality. Citizens are once again urged to refrain from taking laws into their hands and report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation around them for necessary action.

The efforts of the police are constant reaffirmations of the dedication to bring to book perpetrators of heinous acts of crime in our societies.

The IGP once again reiterates the unwavering commitment of the Force to public safety and justice for victims of violent crimes.

Citizens are encouraged to engage with security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ultimate goal of creating a utopian society for all. The Nigeria Police Force remains ever committed to ensuring a safe environment for everyone”, Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated in the press release.

Meanwhile, “the Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses and clarifies a false and misleading claim circulating on X (formerly Twitter), made by one Adamu Garba Zango, a lecturer at Baze University.

Mr Zango, while recirculating a picture which has been in the internet archives since 2019, alleged that it was that of a Deputy Commissioner of Police serving at the Kaduna State Police Command who was arrested for supplying firearms to bandits and kidnappers. He further shared the said image to support this baseless claim.

It is pertinent to state that the individual depicted in the shared photograph is not a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force. Investigations have revealed that the man in the image is one Kingsley Udoyen, a civilian who was arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command on January 2nd, 2019 for impersonating an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

At the time of his arrest, Udoyen was found to have been using a fake police rank to defraud and intimidate unsuspecting members of the public. Items recovered from his residence included an English pistol without ammunition and portraits of various police ranks.

It is also important to point out that there is no connection between the Kaduna State Police Command and the false allegations propagated by Mr Zango. The Nigeria Police Force condemns the spread of false information, which not only tarnishes the image of the Force but also undermines public trust and safety.

Members of the public are urged to verify information from credible sources before sharing. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of justice.

Spreading unverified claims is a violation of laws concerning defamation and cybercrime, and the Police may pursue appropriate legal action against individuals or entities involved in disseminating such falsehoods.

For accurate information and updates, the public is encouraged to follow the official channels of the Nigeria Police Force on the following social media platforms:
X (formerly Twitter):@PoliceNG.
Instagram:@nigeriapoliceforce.
Facebook:@ngpolice.
Youtube:@PoliceNG.
Tiktok:@ngpolice”, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer stated on Friday.