By Hosea Parah
The Ebonyi State Police Command has fired back at a social media allegation linking the Commissioner of Police to the collection of ₦700,000 from each of the six families for the release of their detained sons, dismissing the claim as false, malicious, and completely unfounded.
In a statement signed by SP Joshua Ukandu, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebonyi State Command, Abakaliki, on Tuesday, challenged the author of the allegation, Mr. Justice Ozobi, to produce evidence to substantiate his claim.
Ozobi had alleged in a social media post that the Commissioner of Police ordered the collection of ₦700,000 from each of six families following the arrest of their sons, allegedly on the orders of a traditional ruler in the state.
But the police rejected the allegation, saying it had no basis in fact.
The Command said: “The Command wishes to state categorically that the allegation is false, unfounded, and without basis.”
It also dismissed any attempt to connect the Commissioner of Police or the Command with the alleged payment, stressing that the police do not handle land disputes.
According to the Command, the social media post contained typographical errors, incoherent assertions and factual inaccuracies, while the photograph used in the publication was that of a long-retired former Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State.
The police described the allegation as a serious and malicious attempt to damage the reputation and integrity of the Commissioner of Police and distract the Command from its security responsibilities across the state.
“The allegation is grave and malicious, calculated to malign, impugn the integrity and reputation of the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command,” the statement said.
The Command consequently challenged Ozobi to produce the evidence he claimed to possess instead of publishing what it described as unsubstantiated and defamatory allegations.
The police further assured the public that credible allegations of misconduct against any police officer would be given due consideration and investigated on their merits.
The Command also urged members of the public to exercise caution and responsibility when sharing information on social media.
It warned that individuals who deliberately circulate false or defamatory information capable of misleading the public could face legal action.
The Ebonyi Police Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency and professional policing, saying it would continue to take appropriate legal steps against the deliberate spread of false information.