Police vow to re-arrest fleeing suspects in Anambra lawmaker’s murder

The Anambra State Police Command has vowed to re-arrest two fleeing suspects involved in the murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka, a member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, made this pledge during a press briefing at the State Police Headquarters in Amawbia-Awka on Friday.

According to CP Orutugu, the two suspects, Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, were part of a notorious gang responsible for the murder of Justice Azuka. He assured the public that the command is working tirelessly to stabilize the security situation in the state.

“The purpose of this press briefing is to set the record straight on the two fleeing suspects involved in the murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka, a member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, and to highlight some of the command’s recent breakthroughs,” CP Orutugu stated.

He emphasized that the incident occurred two days before he assumed office as Commissioner of Police on February 10, 2025.

“Upon receiving information on February 18, I briefed Ndi Anambra and Nigerians that under my watch, the command will ensure residents stay informed as the security situation evolves in the state,” he said.

CP Orutugu further revealed that the attack took place on February 8, 2025, in Obosi.

“Out of the 11 suspects already paraded by the command, Chinedu Okoli and Ikemefuna Ossai are not the principal suspects but served as drivers for the notorious gang. They were assisting police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RSS) in Akwuzu in arresting Tochukwu Akolisa from Anambra State, who was identified as one of the receivers of stolen vehicles and belongings,” he explained.

According to Orutugu, during an operation to arrest Tochukwu, the suspect fled upon sighting the police operatives, who were accompanied by Ikemefuna and Chinedu.

“Unfortunately, I was informed that the two suspects, Ikemefuna and Chinedu, were the ones driving the car. When the operatives exited the vehicle and shot Tochukwu in the leg before arresting him, the two other suspects took the opportunity to escape in the vehicle,” he said.

He further disclosed that during a hot pursuit, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.

“Despite efforts to apprehend them, they remain at large. However, as the substantive Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, I am prioritizing their re-arrest and implementing necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” he assured.

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The CP also confirmed that he had briefed the Force Headquarters on the situation and initiated operational plans to recapture the suspects. Additionally, disciplinary actions have been launched against officers involved due to operational lapses.

Highlighting the command’s recent achievements, CP Orutugu announced the arrest of a suspect, Orji Chigozie, who was found in possession of a locally fabricated Beretta pistol.

He further stated that the police had successfully rescued an abducted victim in Ihiala and recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla used in the abduction. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects involved in the case.

Orutugu reiterated the command’s commitment to working closely with other security agencies to enhance operational efficiency and maintain security dominance in Anambra State.