You were one of those arrested by the police at the scene of a crime. Write a letter to the Commissioner of Police giving details of the crime, pleading you...

Model answer: Formal letter to the Commissioner of Police pleading innocence.

This is a formal letter. It requires the writer's address, date, recipient's designation and address, salutation, heading, body, and a formal close.

c/o The Divisional Police Station,
Central Cell,
Onitsha.
10 July, 2026.

The Commissioner of Police,
Anambra State Police Command,
Awka.

Dear Sir,

PLEA OF INNOCENCE AND REQUEST FOR RELEASE

I write with the deepest respect to plead my innocence in connection with an incident for which I have been arrested and detained, and to request my release.

On Saturday, 4 July, 2026, at about six o'clock in the evening, I was walking home from the public library along Market Road when I noticed a large crowd gathered near a provisions store. Out of ordinary curiosity, I moved closer to see what was happening. It turned out that armed robbers had attacked the store and made away with money and goods. Before I could grasp the situation, police officers arrived, cordoned off the area and arrested everyone within sight, including me, as a suspect.

I wish to state, most sincerely, that I had no hand whatsoever in the crime. I am a seventeen year old final year student of Community Secondary School, Onitsha, and I was merely a passer-by drawn to the scene like many others. I did not know the robbers, I carried no weapon, and nothing stolen was found on me. My school authorities and my parents can testify to my good character and can confirm that I was at the library that afternoon.

I therefore appeal to you, Sir, to look into my case with fairness and compassion, and to order my release so that I may return to my studies, especially as my final examinations are near. I am willing to report to the police at any time should my presence be required for further investigation.

I trust in your sense of justice and look forward to a favourable response.

Yours faithfully,
Obinna Eze