In a troubling development, two individuals arrested in connection with the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, the late representative of Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, have escaped from police custody. The Anambra State Police Command's Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, announced the incident on Tuesday in Awka.
According to SP Ikenga, the suspects were assisting officers in an operation aimed at apprehending a receiver of stolen goods and recovering vehicles used by the criminal gang. During this operation, while the alleged receiver was successfully arrested and two suspected stolen vehicles were recovered, the two suspects managed to flee the scene.
In response to the escape, Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu has mobilized all available resources to ensure the swift re-arrest of the fugitives. He has also ordered disciplinary measures against any officers found negligent in their duties leading to this incident. The Commissioner emphasized the Command's commitment to combating criminal elements in the state and ensuring that justice is served.
This escape comes shortly after the arrest of nine suspects linked to Hon. Azuka's abduction and murder. The lawmaker was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, and his decomposing body was discovered near the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.
The Anambra State Police Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could lead to the re-arrest of the escaped suspects.