Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra-based human rights activist and convener of the Recover Nigeria Project (RNP), Comrade Osita Obi, has criticised Police in Anambra state over what he described as ineffective policing system in the state.
Obi rained criticism on the Police while briefing journalists in Awka the State capital on Tuesday. He stated that prominent men had been kidnapped in the state without any trace or whereabouts of the victims.
Obi highlighted three high-profile cases that have remained unresolved, including the disappearances of prominent businessman, Mr. Benjamin Ezemma alias Big Ben, Anambra House of Assembly member representing Onitsha, Hon. Justice Azuka, and Mr. Obiora Agbasimalo, a former Labour Party candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election.
“Where is BigBen? Where is Agbasimelo? Where is Azuka? I wish they are found, and if they are not, let the security operatives identify the kidnappers. Their kidnappings are no longer just a security problem, but a public issue,” he said.
He said he is particularly concerned about the sudden disappearance of Big Ben, who is the Vice Chairman of Dubai Estate. “He vanished on November 12, and no trace of him has been found since then,” Obi lamented.
Obi said it has automatically become a trend of disappearance without trace in Anambra State under the watchful eyes of the police.
According to him, Anambra State should not be a dumping ground for retiring police officers looking to make more money for their retirement. He added that if the police fail to take substantial action regarding the kidnappings in the state, he will be forced to organise a protest at the police headquarters in Awka to compel them to act.
Obi also expressed satisfaction with the way the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) is operating in the state.
“I want to commend the DSS in the state; they are doing a wonderful job. But as for the police, I have lost my confidence in them. I am not confident in the police. What you see them doing at roadblocks is extortion. This shows that the leadership of the Nigerian police is doing something wrong. If you go around the streets, you will see how these officers are extorting money from the public instead of focusing on their jobs. It’s time they engaged in security surveillance to protect the people of Anambra State,” he stated.
He questioned the effectiveness of national identification systems such as SIM and NIN registrations and called on the Federal Government and security agencies to do the needful with the technologies to address the disturbing increase in cases of missing persons in the State.
