By Praise Chinecherem
LEADERS of Ezinano Community, Awka, Anambra State have accused Officer in Charge of Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, Supol Iburu Ifeanyi of unlawful use of firearms, harassment, threat to life, intimidation, intermeddling with land matters and other litany of unlawful activities.
The leaders, in a comprehensive petition, urged the Police Service Commission (PSC) to investigate and take disciplinary action against Ifeanyi.
The petition was signed by Ọzọ Ezekwesili Ọ., Ọzọ Dennis Okoli, Chidozie Oforah, Okafor Charles N., Kenneth Igboeze, Chief Alfred Okoli, Monwuba Ejiofor, Ọzọ Obi Ochije, Okafor Chidozie S., and Obu Nnonyelu, as themselves and representing the other members of Ezinato community, Awka, Anambra State.
According to the petition, the Ezinano Community and Umuzuocha Village have been embroiled in a land dispute, with the matter currently before the court in Suit No. A/523/2017: Chief I.G. Nwana & 6 Ors. V. Chief ESV George Okwudili & 3 Ors. and Motion on Notice No. A/308M/2020 for interlocutory injunction.
The petitioners allege that Ifeanyi has been aiding and abetting the Umuzuocha people in their destruction of the Ezinano Community’s economic crops, fruits, and trees, despite the pending court case.
The petition partly reads, “On September 4, 2024, Supol Iburu Ifeanyi and his team stormed the disputed land, shooting sporadically in the air and threatening to shoot members of the Ezinano Community.
“The Supol assaulted the Youth Chairman, Tochukwu Nwokoye, arrested him, and took him to their station at Awkuzu.
“He also provided security to the respondents in the suit, destroying their structures, and chasing away their women with bullets fired from AK 47 guns. These actions are clear violation of the law and an abuse of his power.
“We urge the PSC to call Ifeanyi to order to ensure he stopped acting ultra vires his powers; caution him over intermeddling with land matters already before the court; investigate the allegations; and take disciplinary action against Supol Iburu Ifeanyi.
“This development highlights concerns about police brutality, harassment, and intimidation in Anambra State and the need for law enforcement agencies to respect citizens’ rights and uphold the rule of law.:
Recently, Anambra residents raised alarm over the resurgence of corruption and human rights abuses at the defunct Awkuzu Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Oyi Local Government Area, now known as Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu.
Victims narrated their ordeals to our correspondent, alleging extortion and harassment by police officers.
One of the victims claimed to have paid N300,000 for bail, while another was asked to pay N500,000 for the release of his impounded tricycle.
In a follow-up inquiry, our correspondent spoke with Investigating Police Officer (IPO), one Isaac, who is handling the tricycle case.
Isaac denied allegations that he demanded N500,000 from the victim to release the impounded tricycle. Instead, he explained that the tricycle was suspected to be a stolen item, and as such, the investigation is ongoing.
He said the tricycle would not be released until the investigation is complete.
Human rights activists describe the Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at Awkuzu as a reincarnation of the dreaded SARS, accused of human parts trafficking and other offenses.
Police station, Tochukwu Ikenga, acknowledged complaints of extortion and assured that efforts were on to apprehend culpable officers, maintaining that bail remains free in the police.
The incidents have sparked renewed calls for reform and accountability within the Anambra State Police Command.
Meanwhile, the PSC has restricted officers in criminal instigations and barred them from delving into civil matters, especially land, rent and marital disputes.
PSC Chairman, Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG, Hasimu Argungu(rtd), issued this warning, stating that the police should allow the civil courts to handle these duties and avoid usurpation.
PSC Spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani quoted the Chairman as saying, “Serving police officers who are found involved in civil matters such as land, rent and marital disputes will henceforth be sanctioned and their promotions suspended.”
Argungu, who noted that the failure of the police force would inevitably reflect on the Commission, said the PSC will no longer tolerate serious abuse of office by serving officers.
He made these remarks while receiving a delegation from the Justice Research Institute led by Mr. Ade Ipaye.
The PSC Chairman declared his commitment to running a transparent, open and corruption-free administration within the Commission.
