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Police yet to forward case to DPP for arraignment
By George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
A detained police officer, Inspector Odidika Augustine, accused of murdering Imo State-based lawyer Chinedu George Nwaowu, is reportedly receiving undue privileges while in custody at a police facility in Owerri.
Reliable sources told TheSun.ng that Augustine has unrestricted access to his mobile phone despite being held in detention. He allegedly makes calls, sends text messages, chats, and uses social media freely. On Monday, April 7, he reportedly contacted friends and family via calls and apps. One recipient, who received an alleged threat, alerted the Nwaowu family, sparking concerns about his level of freedom.
Sources also claim Augustine stays in touch with associates outside, receiving sensitive updates from police officers involved in the case. These exchanges reportedly cover the investigation and efforts to derail it.
Further, Augustine and his alleged accomplices—Uzoma Odidika, Amajuoyi Ireozor, and Jude Odidika—are said to be seeking the intervention of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to avoid prosecution.
This has fuelled fears of collusion within the police force. Despite the investigation concluding over a month ago, the case file has not been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for arraignment.
Augustine was arrested for the brutal killing of Nwaowu, a practising lawyer, raising questions about justice being served.