How Two Suspects Linked to Anambra Lawmaker’s Murder Escaped from Custody – Police

Two suspects linked to the murder of Anambra lawmaker Justice Azuka have escaped from police custody, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed on Tuesday night.

Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, was abducted by gunmen on Christmas Eve while returning home for the festivities. His lifeless body was discovered earlier this month on the Second Niger Bridge.

According to a statement from Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, the two suspects were in police custody and had been assisting with investigations. They were taken by officers to apprehend a suspected receiver of stolen vehicles linked to the criminal gang but managed to escape during the operation.

The suspects, identified as Kevin Ikechukwu Ossai, alias Ikem, and another known as Ocha, reportedly escaped during a police operation to apprehend a suspected receiver of stolen vehicles linked to their gang. The duo was among the five-man group that kidnapped and murdered Hon. Azuka on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunabankpa Road. His lifeless body was later dumped on the Second Niger Bridge in Obosi, Idemili South Local Government Area.

According to sources close to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu, a police operation was underway to arrest a key suspect who allegedly purchased vehicles stolen by the gang. The suspect, however, insisted that he would only surrender if the two kidnappers, Ikem and Ocha, were present.

During the operation, Ocha was reportedly in control of the getaway vehicle, while Ikem was shackled in the front passenger seat. Two SARS operatives sat in the back of the car. As soon as the police sighted the receiver and moved to arrest him, the two officers allegedly jumped out of the vehicle, at which point Ocha and Ikem seized the opportunity to speed off and escape.

Contrary to police claims that the kidnappers were “neutralized,” sources insist that they fled the scene in the vehicle.

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, received the report of their escape on Tuesday night. Ikenga stated that while the suspected receiver was successfully arrested and two stolen vehicles were recovered, the two murder suspects fled the scene.

In response, the police commissioner has deployed extensive human, operational, and intelligence resources to track down and re-arrest the fugitives. Additionally, an immediate disciplinary review has been ordered against any officers found culpable in the escape.