Held for Ransom: How Anambra Police Locked Up Two Men for Months Without Trial

 

The Anambra State Police Command is once again at the center of controversy as serious allegations of extortion, unlawful detainment, and abuse of power emerge. A family has come forward with harrowing claims that their loved ones were unjustly arrested, held in custody for months without trial, and forced to pay millions in bribes—all under the guise of a false kidnapping accusation.

Their ordeal began on February 29, 2024, when Kingsley Uzoma Emereni was forcefully taken by police officers in Owerri. The officers reportedly seized his motorcycle and arrested him on the spot without any explanation. According to a devastated family source, who spoke to SaharaReporters, this was the start of a nightmare that would consume their lives.

"We had no idea where he was. No call, no information—just silence. Days passed, and we were left in complete agony, fearing the worst," the source recounted.

In a desperate bid to locate Kingsley, the family turned to Chijioke Simon, his brother-in-law, who began tracking his phone and making inquiries. But instead of receiving answers, the family faced yet another blow—Chijioke himself was arrested on March 5, 2024, in Port Harcourt. Without any formal charges, he was transported to Anambra, leaving the family in deeper distress.

Akwuzu SARS: A Notorious Name in Brutality

After relentless efforts, the family traced Kingsley and Chijioke to the infamous Akwuzu SARS Police Division in Anambra, a facility long accused of human rights violations. When they arrived at the station, they were met with cold indifference.

"We asked for proof of the allegations against them, but there was nothing—no official complaint, no formal petition. Instead, my brother was brutally tortured, forced to confess to crimes he did not commit," the source revealed.

But the horror did not end there. The officers allegedly demanded a ransom for their release. The family, desperate to free their loved ones, scraped together everything they could and began making payments to the police.

"First, they asked for N850,000. Then N1.1 million more, which we paid in parts—N600,000, N400,000, and N150,000. The police initially refused cash payments, but later, an officer provided his account details. That’s when we realized this wasn’t just injustice—it was a well-orchestrated scheme," the family member said.

Seven Months of Waiting, No Justice in Sight

Despite paying the bribes, Kingsley and Chijioke remained behind bars without trial. For seven excruciating months, the family pleaded for justice, but their cries went unheard. Desperate, they took the case to the Federal High Court in Awka in August 2024, demanding their immediate release.

But the police, instead of presenting their case, ignored the summons. They secretly moved the case to Nnewi High Court, creating further delays. Finally, after months of legal battles, March 19, 2025, was set as the court date.

Yet, on the day of the hearing, another roadblock was placed in their way—the prison officials failed to bring Kingsley and Chijioke to court, claiming their vehicle broke down.

"It’s the same tactic every time—delay, stall, avoid accountability. They know they have no evidence, so they’re dragging this out as long as possible," the source lamented.

A Broken System, A Devastated Family

For the family, this ordeal has taken everything from them—their peace, dignity, and hope.

"We’ve paid millions, waited months, fought through endless legal battles, and still, my brother and in-law remain behind bars. How many other families are suffering the same fate? How many more people have disappeared inside Akwuzu SARS?" the source questioned.

The notorious Akwuzu SARS Police Division has long been linked to extrajudicial killings and inhumane treatment of detainees. A 2021 investigation by Al Jazeera exposed the terrifying history of this station, revealing that for over a decade, it had been a hub for torture, forced confessions, and mysterious disappearances.

"Behind its metal gates, people vanish. Their screams are unheard, their lives stolen by those meant to protect them," the report detailed.

Authorities Silent Amidst Mounting Accusations

As the family fights for justice, the Anambra State Police Command has remained largely silent. SaharaReporters reached out to police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, who initially ignored calls but later requested a text message. As of the time of filing this report, he has yet to respond.

The silence from the authorities only deepens the fear that the system is designed to protect the oppressors, not the victims.

As Kingsley and Chijioke languish in detention, their family clings to one last hope—that their voices, echoing the cries of countless others, will finally be heard, and justice will prevail.