Anambra State Police Commissioner, Dr. Ikioye Orutugu, has confirmed that key suspects connected to the kidnap and murder of the late Justice Azuka, a member of the State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North I, remain in police custody.
During a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Awka on Friday, he reassured the public that efforts are underway to recapture two of the suspects who escaped during a police operation.
The Commissioner specifically addressed the circumstances surrounding the escape of Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, stating that they were not the principal actors in the crime but rather served as drivers for the criminal gang.
Their escape, which occurred on February 8, 2025, coincided with a police operation aimed at apprehending Tochukwu Akolisa, suspected of receiving and trading in stolen vehicles from the gang.
Dr. Orutugu explained that during the chaotic operation, in which Akolisa was shot in the leg and taken into custody, Ossai and Okoli seized the opportunity to flee the scene. Despite immediate police pursuit, they managed to abandon their vehicle and vanish into nearby bushlands and efforts to locate them since have been unsuccessful.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of this operation, noting, “While they played a role in facilitating the activities of the gang, we are committed to ensuring their re-arrest and addressing any operational lapses that allowed for their escape.”
He confirmed that disciplinary actions have been initiated against officers whose negligence may have contributed to this security breach.
“In further developments, the police have made significant progress in combating crime in the region. On February 18, 2025, police patrolling Upper Iweka, Onitsha, arrested Chigozie Orji, who was found with a locally fabricated Beretta pistol. His case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
“Additionally, on February 19, 2025, police operatives successfully rescued a kidnapped victim in Ihiala after a swift action following an abduction reported the night before. The assailants abandoned the victim and fled, leaving behind a stolen vehicle linked to the crime, which has since been recovered.”
Dr. Orutugu reaffirmed the Anambra State Police Command’s steadfast commitment to maintaining public safety in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups. He urged the community to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by providing any information that could facilitate ongoing investigations.
The Commissioner further assured the residents of Anambra State that the escape of the two suspects will not hinder the pursuit of justice for the late Honorable Justice Azuka and reiterated that their re-arrest is only a matter of time.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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