₦600,000 bail allegation: RULAAC welcomes Abuja probe, demands due process

Stanley Ihedigbo

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has welcomed the decision by the Nigeria Police Force to bring Ms. Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer and other parties involved in a disputed arrest and detention case to Abuja for a comprehensive interview.

The organisation said the development followed its petition to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) concerning allegations arising from Jennifer’s arrest and detention by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command.

Following the petition signed by the Executive Director, RULAAC, Com. Okechukwu Nwanguma, the matter was referred to the IGP X-Squad of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, for investigation.

RULAAC disclosed that its representative, Mr. Ekpewerechi Chidi, appeared before the investigating team in Abuja on September 30, 2026, where he formally adopted the petition by making a written statement.

The organisation said its intervention followed complaints by Jennifer that she was arrested after police officers searching for her brother allegedly failed to find him.

She also reportedly alleged that she was detained for four days at the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility in Awkuzu and that ₦600,000 was allegedly collected in connection with securing her release on bail.

However, the Anambra State Police Command has denied the allegation that ₦600,000 was collected for Jennifer’s bail, maintaining that she was arrested in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation.

RULAAC said the conflicting accounts made an independent, evidence-based investigation necessary, with all parties allowed to present their accounts and relevant evidence examined.

According to the organisation, during its representative’s meeting with the X-Squad investigation team, the Commissioner of Police reportedly assured him that Jennifer was safe and healthy.

RULAAC said it subsequently sought clarification after it was unable to reach Jennifer following information that she had been re-invited by the police.

The police have now informed RULAAC that arrangements have been made to bring Jennifer and all other parties involved to Abuja for a comprehensive interview with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the FCID, through the CP X-Squad, FCID Abuja.

RULAAC welcomed the decision, describing it as an opportunity to clarify the competing accounts, establish Jennifer’s circumstances and examine the allegations contained in its petition.

RULAAC Demands Access to Family, Lawyers
The rights group, however, urged the police to ensure that Jennifer has unhindered access to her family, lawyers and RULAAC during the process.

It said such access would help reassure her family and others concerned about her welfare while ensuring that she receives independent legal advice before and during any interview or statement-taking process.

RULAAC also urged the investigating authorities to ensure that any statement obtained from Jennifer is made freely and voluntarily, without intimidation, coercion, inducement or duress.

According to the organisation, allowing Jennifer access to a lawyer of her choice would strengthen public confidence in the investigation and help protect the integrity of any evidence obtained during the process.
RULAAC stressed that its intervention was not intended to prevent Jennifer from being lawfully investigated.

The organisation said that if credible evidence establishes that Jennifer committed an offence, she should be investigated in accordance with due process and, where warranted, prosecuted before a court of competent jurisdiction.

At the same time, it called for a thorough investigation into Jennifer’s allegations concerning the circumstances of her arrest and detention, including the alleged collection of ₦600,000 in connection with her bail.

It said any police officer or other person found responsible for wrongdoing should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
RULAAC commended the Inspector-General of Police for directing an investigation and the FCID/X-Squad leadership for the steps taken so far.

The organisation urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation remains independent, transparent and evidence-driven, while respecting the rights, dignity and safety of everyone involved.

RULAAC said it would continue to cooperate with the investigation and monitor developments to ensure that the facts are established and due process is followed.