Obi demands sack of former Anambra police commissioner, overhaul of formations

The Convener, Recover Nigeria Project (RNP), Comrade Osita Obi, on Friday, called on Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun and Chairman of Police Service Commission, Hashimu Argungu to sack the former Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnaghe Obono-Itam.

Obono-Itam was recently redeployed to force headquarters Abuja as Commissioner in charge of Counter Terrorism Unit .

Obi, who made the call at a press conference held in Awka, Anambra state capital, explained that the call became necessary following escape of two suspects, Mr Ikemefuna Ossai and Mr Chinedu Okolie arrested in connection with abduction and murder of Anambra state lawmaker, Hon. Justice Azuka.

Okolie and Ossai, according to a statement from the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga, escaped on February 8th when operatives were using them as a ploy to arrest a suspect specialising in buying vehicles snatched by the gang.

But a right activist, Obi, who condemned how the police allowed the suspects to drive them as well as escape from their custody, insisted that Obono-Itam should be sacked and brought back to Anambra state to explain how it happened and why he allegedly failed to brief Orutugu that took over from him on 10th February.

According to him, it was an unprofessional conducts which amounts to a dog eaten the bone hang on it neck, and a ploy to scuttle the call for justice to the slain lawmaker.

“As I demand for Obono-Itam to be relieved of his duty, I am also calling for total overhaul of the entire police formation in Anambra State. How can an officer be serving here for over 30 years? Those who have served for long should be redployed to other States. IG should probe Itam tenure in Anambra State and bring all the corrupt officers, including those behind the escape of the two suspects to book,” he added.