One of Escaped Killers of Anambra Lawmaker Re-Arrested in Delta State, HURIDE Commends Police

Ikem Ossai, the notorious fugitive and suspected killer of Anambra State House of Assembly member Hon. Justice Azuka, has been re-arrested by the police in Warri, Delta State. The operation was led by Chief Superintendent of Police Ifeanyi Iburu, former head of the Anambra Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), whose efforts have been widely commended.

Ossai had previously escaped from police custody in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, during an operation aimed at arresting an accomplice who was allegedly receiving stolen vehicles linked to a series of kidnappings, including the one that claimed the life of Hon. Azuka. Ossai and an associate, Chinedu—who remains at large—fled during the raid, sparking a manhunt that extended beyond Anambra State.

The Human Rights, Liberty Access, and Peace Defenders’ Foundation (HURIDE) has lauded the arrest, praising the professionalism of CSP Iburu and the leadership of Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu. In a statement signed by HURIDE Executive Director Dede Uzor A. Uzor, the organization emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and called for the immediate capture of Chinedu, described as Ossai’s driver and close associate.

Ossai, a native of Aboh in Delta State, has long been on the police radar for his involvement in multiple violent crimes. He had previously escaped police ambushes in Inland Town and Iyiowa, Ogbaru, where members of his gang were killed or lynched by mobs. Despite several narrow escapes and operations gone wrong—including one at Atani Road in Ogbaru where accomplices were burned alive—he continued to evade capture while allegedly committing further atrocities.

Authorities believe Ossai had been operating from Ogbe-Ukwu in Ogbaru Local Government Area, where he lived with his wife and children, continuing to pose a threat to public safety.

HURIDE reiterated its appreciation for the police’s dedication but stressed that justice would only be complete once Chinedu is also apprehended and brought to face the law.