Anambra community leaders, elders petition presidency, PSC chair, IGP, others over actions of RRS boss
By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
The leaders and elders of Ezinano Community in Awka South local government area of Anambra State, have petitioned the Presidency and Police Service Commission (PSC),
over the unwholesome activities of Supol Iburu Ifeanyi, officer in Charge of the Rapid Response Squad, (RRS) Awkuzu in the land case between the community and Umuzuocha community in the state.
This came as the Police Service Commission, (PSC), restricted officers in criminal instigations and barred them from delving into civil matters, especially, land, rent and marital disputes.
The 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.
The petition by Ezinano Community in Awka, dated 11th September 2024, also copied to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Complaint Response Unt of the Police Force headquarters, Abuja, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 13, Ukpo Anambra state and the Commissioner of Police Anambra State, respectively.
The people in the petition addressed to the Chairman of the PSC, DIG Hasimu Argungu(rtd) titled, “Petition Against Supol Iburu Ifeanyi (O/O Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, Anambra’ State) for Unlawful Use of Firearms, threat to life, property, intimidation, conduct likely to cause Breach of Peace and Intermeddling With Our Land,” called on the commission and other relevant authorities to call the RRS chief to order over his alleged excesses.
The petitioners urged the Police Service Commission to investigate and take disciplinary action against Supol Iburu 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 Ezinano 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 alleged that Supol Iburu 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 petitioners claimed that 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.
They also alleged that he assaulted the Youth Chairman, Tochukwu Nwokoye, arrested him and took him to their station at Awkuzu.
The petitioners accuse Supol Iburu Ifeanyi of providing security to the respondents in the suit, destroying their structures, and chasing away their women with bullets fired from AK 47 guns.
They argued that his actions were a clear violation of the law and an abuse of his power.
The petitioners further urged the Police Service Commission to ensure Supol Iburu stops 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.
The victims narrated their ordeals to our correspondent, alleging extortion and harassment by police officers.
One victim claimed to have paid N300,000 for bail, while another was asked to pay N500,000 for the release of his impounded tricycle.
Human rights activists described the Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at Awkuzu as a reincarnation of the dreaded SARS, accused of human parts trafficking and other offenses.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, acknowledged complaints of extortion and assured that efforts are being made to apprehend culpable officers. He maintained that bail remains free in the police.
The incidents have sparked renewed calls for reform and accountability within the Anambra State Police Command.
The PSC Spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani quoted the Chairman of the commission 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.
