By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Imo State Police Command has denied reports that its operatives rejected two robbery suspects arrested by the government-backed local security network popularly known as Ebubeagu.

It was gathered by our correspondent that the suspects were arrested by the Ebubeagu security outfit following an alleged robbery incident that took place on August 31 where one Chidi Okolie was said to have been shot.

Information obtained from the victim of the robbery incident revealed that two suspects who were arrested by Ebubeagu security network were rejected by the Orlu Police Division on the ground that the vigilante group held the suspects in their custody for longer than is required by law.

Reacting to the development the Imo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Henry Okoye, said it contacted the Area Commander in charge of Orlu Division regarding the incident.

The Police Spokesperson said: ?I contacted the Area Command Orlu Division regarding the suspects, who were not rejected. We simply requested for a medical checkup for the suspects, who have been held by Ebubeagu for an extended period.

?However, we have confirmed that the suspects are fit. They will be transferred to the State Headquarters for further investigation.?

He further stated that, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has scheduled an important meeting with local security outfit leaders to enlighten them on criminal procedures and enhance collaboration in addressing criminal cases.

A security expert, Mr Chinyeaka Amadi, while reacting to the development, blamed the Ebubeagu security network for keeping the suspects in their custody, noting that by constitution the outfit is not a law enforcement body and should not involve itself in trying and prosecuting criminals.

Amadi said that the primary duty of the outfit is to assist the Police in fighting crimes and not to take the position of the security agencies.

?Police are well trained for investigation of crimes and backed by law to prosecute suspects before a court of competent jurisdiction.

?The duty of any vigilante group is to help the police to arrest criminals and hand them over for proper investigation. It is unlawful keeping suspects who may die or escape under their watch which is a crime itself,? he said.

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