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The Police Command in Abia State has denied reports of the use of ‘trial by ordeal’ in investigations.
In a statement on Friday by the spokesperson of the command ASP Maureen Chinaka which was sent to The Eastern Updates said a video accusing the police of doing such is ‘false’.
‘The attention of the Abia State Police Command has been drawn to a video clip depicting a scene, purported to be a shrine located within a Police Station, allegedly used by the police for investigations at Eziame Divisional Police Headquarters,’ she said.
‘We hereby state unequivocally that the allegation is false. The objects shown in the video, which were referred to as the shrine/oracle, are actually exhibits recovered by the police after raiding criminal hideouts and dens in the bushes.’
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She added: ‘The report contained in the video is at best a product of ignorance or intentional mischief. However, it is important to note that since the items no longer hold significant evidential/ judicial value, the command will follow established procedures and dispose of the exhibits accordingly. This will prevent further misrepresentation, abuse, or mischief.’
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW
Press Release
26/10/2023
Re: Addressing Misinformation in a Video Alleging Police Use of ‘Trial by Ordeal’ in Investigations
1. The attention of the Abia State Police Command has been drawn to video clip depicting a scene, purported to be a shrine located within a Police Station, allegedly used by the police for investigations at Eziame Divisional Police Headquarters.
We hereby state unequivocally that the allegation is false.
2. The objects shown in the video, which were referred to as shrine/oracle, are actually exhibits recovered by the police after raiding criminal hideouts and dens in the bushes.
3. The report contained in the video is at best a product of ignorance or intentional mischief. However, it is important to note that since the items no longer hold significant evidential/ judicial value, the command will follow established procedures and dispose the exhibits accordingly. This will prevent further misrepresentation, abuse, or mischief.
4. Abia state Police Command therefore, uses this medium to urge the public to disregard the allegations contained in the video. The Command hereby assures the public that we shall continue to put in our level best towards enhancing the level of peace and security being experienced throughout Abia State.
5. We urge everyone to refrain from sharing the video as the information contained therein is untrue and the impression created by the video is false.
SIGNED:
ASP Maureen Chinaka LLB Anipr
Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Abia State Command
