The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested Mr. Justice Ozobi and an accomplice over allegations involving the Commissioner of Police and claims that ₦700,000 each was allegedly collected from six families for the release of their sons.
The command had earlier dismissed the allegations as false and misleading.
The development was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.
According to the statement, one of the suspects allegedly circulated a post in which he used the photograph of a former Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, thereby subjecting the retired senior police officer to what the command described as unwarranted public ridicule and embarrassment.
The police said Ozobi was arrested in Anambra State and subsequently brought to the Ebonyi State Command, where he and his accomplice are being investigated.
The command said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command reiterated that citizens have the right to express their views, raise genuine concerns and make constructive observations aimed at improving policing in the state.
However, the command said it would not tolerate what it described as the deliberate dissemination of false, malicious or defamatory information calculated to tarnish the image of the command or the Nigeria Police Force.
“The command remains committed to accountability and will continue to hold its officers to the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and ethical conduct,” the statement said.
The police also urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it and to channel genuine complaints through appropriate authorities for prompt and impartial investigation.
