Police Defy Court Order, Detain Security Guard In Anambra Despite Release Order

By Chuks Eke*

Onitsha, Anambra State – A security guard, Anthony Moses, remains in police custody despite a court order for his immediate release, sparking concerns about alleged police misconduct and disregard for judicial processes.

Moses, an indigene of Plateau State, was arrested on September 24th while on duty at a property in Onitsha.

He was detained by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu, formerly known as SARS.

On October 3rd, Justice Theophine Oguji of the Anambra State High Court, Onitsha Judicial Division, ordered the release of Moses, ruling that his continued detention was unlawful.

The order followed a motion ex-parte filed by Moses’ lawyer, Ben Ikeagwu Esq.

However, despite the court order, Moses remains in RRS custody, prompting his lawyer to petition the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CSP Ifeanyi Iburu, alleging a “flagrant disobedience” of the court order and abuse of police powers by the RRS Commander, CSP Iburu.

In a strongly worded petition, Ikeagwu accused CSP Iburu of acting on behalf of a private citizen, Sir Emeka Offor, and not on the instructions of the Inspector-General of Police.

He expressed concern for Moses’ health and well-being, claiming he is being denied access to food, medication, and visitation.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, has acknowledged the petition and promised to investigate the matter, verifying the extent to which the Commissioner of Police has addressed the situation.

This incident has raised serious concerns about the respect for the rule of law and judicial independence in Anambra State.

The continued detention of Anthony Moses despite a clear court order signifies a worrying disregard for the legal process and potentially puts Moses’ life at risk.

This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.