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By Madu Obi
Leaders of Ezinano Community in Awka, the Anambra State capital, have petitioned the Police Service Commission, PSC, over alleged
unlawful activities, including use of firearms, harassment, threat to life, intimidation, and meddling with land matters by the police.
Specifically, they accused leaders of the dreaded Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu of being the mastermind of the unlawful activities and urged the PSC to investigate and take disciplinary action against those involved.
Those who signed the petition include Ọzọ Ezekwesili Ọ., Ọzọ Dennis Okoli, Chidozie Oforah, Okafor Charles N., Kenneth Igboeze, Chief Alfred Okoli, Monwuba Ejiofor, Ọzọ Obi Ochije, Okafor Chidozie S., and Obu Nnonyelu.
According to the petitioners, the Ezinano Community and Umuzuocha Village have been embroiled in a land dispute, with the matter currently before the High Court in Suit No. A/523/2017: Chief I.G. Nwana & 6 Ors. V. Chief ESV George Okwudili & 3 Ors. and Motion on Notice No. A/308M/2020 for interlocutory injunction.
The petitioners alleged that the Police have been aiding and abetting the Umuzuocha people in their destruction of the Ezinano Community's economic crops, fruits, and trees, despite the pending court case.
They said this is in spite of PSC's restriction of Police officers from delving into civil matters, especially land, rent and marital disputes.
According to them, on September 4, 2024, a Police team led Supol Iburu Ifeanyi, stormed the disputed land, shooting sporadically in the air and threatening to shoot members of the Ezinano Community.
They also alleged that the Police assaulted the Youth Chairman, Tochukwu Nwokoye, arrested him, and took him to their station at Awkuzu, regretting that the Police have been providing security to their opponents.
They said the Police have also been destroying their structures, and chasing away their women with bullets fired from AK 47 guns.
The actions, they argue, are a clear violation of the law and an abuse of power.
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