The Anambra State Police Command has vowed to re-arrest two fleeing suspects involved in the murder of 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 Anambra State Police Headquarters, Awka, on February 21, 2025.
According to CP Orutugu, the two suspects, Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, were drivers of the notorious gang involved in the kidnap and murder of Justice Azuka.
CP Orutugu assured that the command is working tirelessly to stabilize the security situation in the state.
The CP said,”The purpose of the Press briefing is to set the records straight on the 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 of Anambra State and highlight some of the breakthroughs of the Command within the period under review.
“Let me reiterate the fact that this regrettable incident happened two days before I assumed Office on 10th February 2025 as the Commissioner of Police Anambra State.
“Upon receipt of the information on 18th of February 2025, this informed my briefing to *Ndi Anambra* and *Nigerians* as the Command under my watch shall ensure residents stay informed as the Security Situation evolves in the State.
The CP added, “This sad development motivated me too the extra mile on a discreet investigation to gather the facts surrounding the incident.
“The cause of my findings shows that the incident happened on the 8th of February, 2025 in Obosi. The two (2) suspects, Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State out of eleven (11) confessed suspects already paraded by the Command.
“Chinedu and Ikemefuna are not the principal suspects but the drivers of the notorious gang. They were assisting the Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Respond Squad ( RSS) Akwuzu to arrest one Tochukwu Akolisa from Anambra State, whom according to the suspect mentioned the Tochukwu Akolisa as one of the receivers/buyers of their victim’s vehicles/belongings.
“During the onslaught operation by the Operatives, to arrest Tochukwu (the receiver) took to his heels immediately he sighted the Police Operatives in company with Ikemfuna and Chinedu.
“Regrettably, I was informed that the two suspects Ikemefuna and Chinedu were the ones driving the car when the operatives alighted the vehicle, shot at the receiver/buyer on his leg and arrested him.
“The two other suspects used the opportunity to escape from the scene with the vehicle.
“I was also briefed that during a hot chase by the Police Operatives, the suspects abandoned the car and escaped into a nearby bush.
“The area was cordoned off and all efforts to apprehend the fugitives proved abortive.
“As the substantive Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, I consider it a priority to address this situation, re-arrest the suspects, and implement necessary measures to prevent such incidents or related ones from happening again.
The CP added,”I have briefed the Force headquarters on the situation on the ground and the actions taken, which include activating operational plans to re-arrest the suspects at large and initiating disciplinary proceedings against police personnel involved due to operational lapses.”
He highlighted some of the command’s achievements, including the arrest of a suspect, Orji Chigozie, who was found with a locally fabricated Beretta pistol.
He maintained that the police had rescued an abducted victim in Ihiala and recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla used in the abduction.
The CP said the command is still working to arrest the fleeing suspects involved in the abduction even as he reiterated the command’s commitment to synergizing with other security agencies to improve operational capacity and security dominance in the state.
Credit: The Sun