Hon. Azuka Murder: Key Suspects Still in Custody, Escapees Will Be Re-Arrested – Anambra CP

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has confirmed that the primary suspects in the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka are in custody, while efforts are underway to recapture two individuals who escaped during a recent police operation.

In a press briefing at the Anambra State Police Headquarters in Awka, CP Orutugu addressed the escape incident, emphasizing that it has not compromised the ongoing investigation, as the main perpetrators remain detained. He assured the public of the command’s dedication to bringing all involved to justice.

“This unfortunate incident occurred two days before I formally assumed office on February 10, 2025. Upon receiving intelligence on February 18, I deemed it necessary to brief the public and reaffirm our commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation,” CP Orutugu stated.

Providing details on the escape, he identified the fugitives as Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State. Both were among eleven individuals arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Hon. Justice Azuka. While not the masterminds, they served as drivers for the criminal gang.

Investigations revealed that Ossai and Okoli were assisting the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in tracking down Tochukwu Akolisa, an Anambra native suspected of handling stolen vehicles and valuables from victims. During the operation, Akolisa attempted to flee upon spotting the police, leading officers to shoot him in the leg before apprehension. In the ensuing commotion, Ossai and Okoli seized the opportunity to escape in a vehicle, which they later abandoned before disappearing into nearby bushland. Efforts to recapture them have so far been unsuccessful.

Expressing deep concern over the escape, CP Orutugu outlined decisive measures taken, including briefing the Force Headquarters and initiating a full-scale manhunt for the escapees. Disciplinary actions have also been launched against officers whose negligence may have contributed to the incident.

“As the Commissioner of Police, I prioritize the re-arrest of these suspects and the implementation of stringent measures to prevent future security breaches,” he affirmed.

Highlighting recent successes in combating crime, CP Orutugu reported that on February 18, operatives patrolling Upper Iweka in Onitsha arrested Orji Chigozie, who was found with a locally fabricated Beretta pistol. Preliminary investigations suggest his involvement in local criminal activities. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka for further interrogation and potential prosecution.

Additionally, in the early hours of February 19, police operatives rescued a kidnapped victim in Ihiala following a swift operation. The victim had been abducted the previous night along Ilo Akpukwu Road, Nkwelle Ezunaka, but was freed after a pursuit by officers from the 3-3 Division. The assailants abandoned the victim and fled, leaving behind an ash-colored Toyota Corolla with registration number AND 550 JD, which had been reported stolen and used in the abduction. The vehicle has been recovered, and efforts to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers are ongoing.

CP Orutugu reiterated the Anambra State Police Command’s unwavering commitment to securing the state, working in collaboration with other security agencies, the military, and local vigilante groups to disrupt criminal networks. He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing information that could aid ongoing investigations and operations.

Concluding his address, CP Orutugu reassured the public that the escape of the two suspects would not derail the pursuit of justice, expressing confidence that their rearrest is imminent.