Nigeria IGP orders high-powered probe into 'murder' of Ghanaian lady, friend in Abia State
Source: GhanaWeb
Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a "thorough and high-powered" investigation into the case involving the disappearance of two ladies - Ghanaian Afiba Tandoh and her Nigerian friend.
The two, last seen in April 2024, are feared to have been kidnapped and killed in Nigeria's southeastern Abia State.
A June 10, 2024, statement from the Nigerian Police Force's spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed that the IGP's investigative body is also to probe the death in police custody of Andrew Ochekwo, the main suspect in the disappearance of Afibah and Celine Ndudim.
The duo arrived in Abia State having left Port Harcourt to Abia State capital Aba to see businessman Ochekwo, whom they reportedly met through Facebook.
A Nigerian rights activist who has been keeping taps on the case, Harrison Gwamnishu, claims the two ladies were kidnapped and declared missing shortly after their trip.
Remains of a corpse were reportedly retrieved from Ochekow's Aba residence after his arrest but he was killed while being transported to Abuja when he reportedly tried to escape from police custody.
Statement from Nigerian Police Force's spokesperson:
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has directed the Monitoring Unit to conduct a thorough and high-powered investigation into the suspected murder of one Andrew Ochekwo.
This directive comes amid the numerous allegations, arguments, and counterarguments surrounding the case, which also involves the disappearance of two ladies, Celine and Afiba after their trip to visit the said Andrew in Aba, Abia State, for which he was alleged to be responsible.
In light of the public interest and the gravity of the allegations, the IGP has deemed it necessary to institute a meticulous investigation into the roles played by the team which carried out the initial investigation in Abia State, and the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (IGP-IRT), to unravel the veritable facts of the matter. The Monitoring Unit has been given a two-week timeframe to complete its investigation and present a comprehensive report.
The Inspector General of Police assures that this case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and integrity, urging all well-meaning members of the public and all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the investigation process to proceed without interference.
Similarly, all persons/groups with relevant information regarding this case are encouraged to come forward and assist with the investigation, and all such information provided will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality, reach us via email at [email protected], and our social media accounts.
The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the cooperation and support of the public and hereby reassures that timely updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
SARA