Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed the Monitoring Unit of the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate the case relating to the disappearance of a Ghanaian lady, Afiba Abigail Tandoh and her Nigerian friend, Celine Chidinma Ndidum.
The two reportedly visited Andrew Amechi Otchipo, a 52-year-old notorious British-Nigerian, on April 27, 2024, in Aba city.
Since then, Afiba and her Nigerian friend, Celine, have not been found despite a series of investigations by the Nigerian police.
The directive from the IGP to probe further into the case follows the widespread allegations and conflicting reports indicating that the prime suspect, Mr. Amechi Otchipo, is dead, as revealed in an initial investigation by the law enforcement agency.
The probe will also examine the actions of the team responsible for the first investigation in Abia State to establish the facts of the case.
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Given the high level of public interest and the serious nature of the allegations, the IGP has emphasized the need for a meticulous and unbiased investigation.
The Monitoring Unit is expected to complete its inquiry and submit a detailed report within two weeks.
The police also called on individuals and groups with relevant information about the case to come forward and assist in the investigation.
It will be recalled that Andrew Amechi Otchipo, a supposed notorious figure wanted by security agencies, was apprehended by Interpol in Nigeria on May 26, 2024, to aid in investigations related to the disappearance of the two women following plans to visit him in Nigeria after connecting with him on Facebook.
Close Circuit Camera (CCTV) footage from the hotel where the trio met revealed crucial evidence linking the suspect to the missing girls, including personal belongings such as the ladies’ handbags and ATM cards, among others, found in his residence.
Despite this breakthrough, authorities tried their best to obtain information about the missing girls from Otchipo, but they were unsuccessful until his death.
On June 3, 2024, a team of police officers found a decomposing body during their investigation near the home of Andrew Amechi Otchipo, the 52-year-old British Nigerian who was arrested in connection with the disappearance of Afiba and her Nigerian friend, Celine.
A post shared on Instagram by Nigerian activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who has been following the case of the missing girls, noted that the head, hands and legs of the decomposing body are missing.
He added that the remaining body was wrapped in a curtain similar to what was found in Mr. Amechi Otchipo’s room.
Meanwhile, it is unconfirmed that the decomposing body is either Afiba or Celine.
Nigeria’s Inspector-General has assured the public that the ongoing investigation will be conducted with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Therefore, the public and all stakeholders should remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed without interference.