An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Joweigha Michael, has been arrested over the death of a suspect, Kubiat Isaac while in custody.
ASP Michael is to be detained and interrogated over the death of Isaac suspected to be an armed robber and cultist.
The ASP’s arrest was ordered by his boss, the Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner, Amiengheme Andrew.
This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday September 4th 2021, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Odiko McDon, saying the ASP effected the arrest of the suspect at Eni Stores, Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom capital.
There has been outcry in the social media following the death of the suspect alleged to have been tortured to death by the ASP and his team.
However the statement absolved ASP Michael of torturing the suspect to death, adding that the suspect was sick when he was arrested and kept in police custody.
He said that the CP has also ordered an autopsy be carried out on the deceased to ascertain cause of his death.
The statement reads: ”It expedient to state that Kubiat Isaac was being investigated for the offence of suspected Armed Robbery and Cultism, and had been evading arrest for sometime.
”He was traced to and arrested at Eni Stores on the 29th of August, 2021 and taken for questioning. On arrival at the Division, the DPO ordered that he be transferred to the State CID where the case was pending for a discreet investigation.
”Unfortunately, the suspect said he was sick. He was taken to the Police Clinic for treatment but gave up the ghost in the process.
”The Commissioner of Police, CP AMIENGHEME ANDREW has ordered for an autopsy to be conducted in order to determine the cause of death.”
It added: “The CP who has great respect for fundamental rights notes that contemporary policing isn’t about torture and should not be tolerated, hence, has vowed that a diligent and transparent investigation will be conducted.
“To actualize this, the CP ordered for the immediate arrest and detention for questioning of one ASP Joweigha Michael who preliminary investigation revealed was the Officer who effected the arrest of the said Kubiat.
“However, the CP condoles with the deceased family and assured that the Officer if found culpable, the full weight of the law would be brought to bear and he will be held accountable for his action”.
