The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a “thorough and high-powered” investigation into Andrew Ochekwo’s suspected murder and the disappearance of two women, Celine and Afiba, who went missing after visiting him in Aba, Abia State.
The missing women, Celine Ndudim from Nigeria and Afiba Tandoh from Ghana, reportedly travelled from Port Harcourt to Abia State to see Ochekwo, whom they met through Facebook.
However, a human rights activist on Instagram claims that Harrison Gwamnishu, Celine, and Afiba were kidnapped and declared missing shortly after their trip.
Ochekwo, the suspect, who was later arrested by the police, later died in police custody.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force’s spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement on Monday, that Egbetokun has ordered the Monitoring Unit to spearhead the investigation with a two-week timeframe to present a comprehensive report.
Adejobi said the directive comes amid the numerous allegations, arguments, and counterarguments surrounding the case that implicate Ochekwo in the disappearance of the two girls.
He stated that individuals with relevant information regarding the case should come forward and assist with the investigation, adding that the information provided will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
Adejobi added that the IGP assures that the case will be handled with “utmost professionalism” and urges the public to remain calm and allow the investigation process to proceed without interference.
The statement read, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has directed the Monitoring Unit to conduct a thorough and high-powered investigation into the suspected murder of one Andrew Ochekwo. This directive comes amid the numerous allegations, arguments, and counterarguments surrounding the case, which also involves the disappearance of two ladies, Celine and Afiba after their trip to visit the said Andrew in Aba, Abia State, for which he was alleged to be responsible.
“In light of the public interest and the gravity of the allegations, the IGP has deemed it necessary to institute a meticulous investigation into the roles played by the team which carried out the initial investigation in Abia State, and the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (IGP-IRT), to unravel the veritable facts of the matter. The Monitoring Unit has been given a two-week timeframe to complete its investigation and present a comprehensive report.
“The Inspector General of Police assures that this case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and integrity, urging all well-meaning members of the public and all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the investigation process to proceed without interference. Similarly, all persons/groups with relevant information regarding this case are encouraged to come forward and assist with the investigation, and all such information provided will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality, reach us via email at pressforabuja@police.gov.ng, and our social media accounts.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the cooperation and support of the public and hereby reassures that timely updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
