The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the escape of two suspects allegedly involved in the kidnap and murder of Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Azuka was laid to rest over the weekend in his hometown, Onitsha, but reports of the escape of two of his suspected killers had been circulating.
In an official statement, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, acknowledged the incident and assured the public that efforts were underway to rearrest the fugitives.
He also stated that sanctions would be imposed on officers responsible for the suspects’ custody.
His statement read: “The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, upon receiving the report today, 18th February 2025, regarding the escape of the two suspects involved in the murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka, Member Representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly, has deployed human, operational, and intelligence assets of the command to ensure their re-arrest. He has also ordered immediate disciplinary action against any officers found culpable in the matter.
“Preliminary findings reveal that, following the confession of the criminal gang, two of the suspects were assisting police investigators in an operation to apprehend the receiver and recover the operational vehicles used by the gang in their deadly activities. During the operation, the receiver was arrested, and two vehicles suspected to have been snatched from unsuspecting members of the public were recovered. However, the other two suspects managed to escape.
“The Commissioner of Police has assured the public that the command remains resolute in its fight against criminal elements in the state. Efforts are in top gear to ensure that the suspects are re-arrested and brought to justice. Any officers found to have been negligent will also face disciplinary action.”