Tunji Disu
A civil society organisation, the Oodua Integrity Group, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to halt the proposed transfer of an arson case from Anambra State to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing investigations at the state level.
The case, which is currently being handled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Anambra State Police Command, relates to an alleged incident of arson in Urum, Awka North Local Government Area, where a residential building was reportedly set ablaze between March 24 and 25, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Head of Investigation, Adeniyi Fatai, expressed concern that the planned transfer of the case file to the Force Homicide Section in Abuja could disrupt the progress already made by investigators in the state. He argued that the Anambra State CID is fully capable of concluding the investigation and ensuring due process is followed.
According to Fatai, one Emeka Ebenezer Mokwogwu has already been charged with criminal conspiracy and arson in connection with the incident, indicating that the matter has advanced beyond preliminary stages. He noted that a formal request for the transfer of the case file had been issued by the Force Headquarters’ Homicide Section through a Commissioner of Police, prompting concerns about possible jurisdictional overlap.
The group emphasised that, at a time when national discourse around state policing and decentralisation of law enforcement is gaining momentum, removing such cases from state commands could weaken confidence in local policing structures. Fatai warned that sidelining the state CID in a case already under its purview may set a precedent that diminishes the authority and effectiveness of state-level investigative bodies.
He further revealed that complainants involved in the case have expressed confidence in the professionalism and competence of the Anambra State Police Command and prefer that the matter be concluded locally to ensure transparency and accessibility.
The Oodua Integrity Group therefore urged the IGP to intervene decisively, maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation, and allow the Anambra State Police Command to complete the case without external disruption. The development highlights broader concerns about coordination within Nigeria’s policing system and the balance of investigative powers between federal and state authorities.
