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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
A former Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Zone 9, Umuahia, Abia State Emma C. Jiakponnah, (Sp Rtd.) has petitioned Abia State Commissioner of police, Mrs Jane Agbede over the detention of a wife of ex-police officer and subsequent demand for a N44, 000 bail fees.
Jiakponnah in the petition said the wife of an ex-police officer, Benson Azubike who had a challenge while in active service which made him to be totally blind, was arrested last Friday at Okpuala Ngwa Police Division in Isiala Ngwa North LGA of the state for owing someone #50,000.
The petitioner wrote that the condition given for the woman’s release was to pay half of the money which was met after pledging many properties.
“Yet the woman-IPO insisted on completing the #50,000 before bail will be granted, which made the woman to sleep in the cell.
“After much struggle and borrowing, #50,000 was brought to the Police on Saturday and the IPO asked for #30,000 bail & #4,000 ‘counter money’.
“I was later informed to plead and I pleaded with the Woman DPO who happened to be my Course-mate, but she told me that she had no idea of the matter and I mentioned the IPO to her since the DCO’s GSM number was switched off, but she said she was travelling to Akwa-ibom and that I should sort it out with them”.
The former Zone 9 PPRO disclosed that the children of the blind police officer raised #10,000 for bail, after the payment of the #50,000 debt, but the IPO refused and that he had to inform the Abia PPRO.
“Upon the PPRO’S intervention, the Police officer refused and the woman is still in the cell for not providing #34,000 bail after being coarsed to pay #50,000 debt as if police are now agents of debt collector.
“It’s quite unfortunate that some officers disobey the rules of engagement as bail is said to be free, yet certain actions that can drag the image of the force to the mud are exhibited by some Officers”.
Jiakponnah urged the Commissioner of police to intervene and stop some officers from engaging in acts that will tarnish the image of the police.
When contacted, the DPO of Okpuala Ngwa police Division while denying the allegation, said the woman had since been released.
The W/IPO, Chibuenyim Edem Monica, denied any knowledge and involvement in the matter.
