Suspects reportedly arrested over the killing last year of an Abuja-based pastor, Eunice Elisha, have been released.

The suspects, whose identities were not revealed by the Abuja police command, were released because police investigation “could not link them to the murder,” said spokesperson of the command, Manzah Anjuguri.

What happened is that when the incident occurred, arrests were made. But during the course of the investigation we found that the persons arrested could not be linked to the said murder. And we cannot keep them if we do not have any case against them,” Mr. Anjuguri said.

They were released under the condition that they will be invited for questioning whenever the need arises. The commissioner has instructed the Divisional Police Officer for that region to intensify efforts on the matter; the case has not been closed. The investigation is still ongoing,” said Mr. Anjuguri.

His statement contradicts his earlier claims that the suspects were helping in the investigation.

Hours after the murder of 42-year-old Mrs. Elisha on July 9, 2016, the police said it had arrested suspects in the matter, and said their confessions were considered helpful in the investigations into the matter.

During that disclosure in July, Mr. Anjuguri stated neither the number of suspects “arrested” nor their identities.

Five months later in December, Anjuguri declined commenting on the status of those arrested, when contacted by this paper.

Speaking also in December 2016 about the government’s failure to address the matter, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Samson Ayokunle, said the State Security Service and other agencies expected to ensure the safety of Nigerians had neglected thier duty.

Also speaking on the matter, Catholic Bishop of Abuja Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, described the situation as grossly unfortunate.

News of the release of the suspects came months after Kano State government also released suspects in the killing of a 74-year-old woman, accused of blasphemy.

Bridget Agbahime was killed by a mob at a market in Kano.

The government filed charges against her suspected killers, but later freed them without giving reasons for its decision.