Two suspects linked to the murder of the late member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka, have escaped from police custody.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Awka, the state capital.
Ikenga said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, upon receiving the report of the suspects’ escape, immediately mobilized human, operational, and intelligence assets to ensure the re-arrest of the fleeing suspects.
In addition, he has ordered disciplinary action against officers found culpable of negligence in the incident.
The police spokesperson stated that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were assisting police officers in an operation to arrest the receiver of stolen goods and recover operational vehicles used by the criminal gang.
Ikenga stated, “The Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu, on receipt of the report today February 18, 2025 about the escape of the two suspects involved in the murder of Late Hon Justice Azuka, Member Representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly.
“He has consequently deployed both human, operational and intelligence assets of the Command for the re-arrest of the suspects and directed immediate disciplinary action against the Officers found wanting in this regard.
“Preliminary information reveals that following the confession of the criminal gang, two of the suspects are assisting the Police Investigating Officers in an Operation to arrest the receiver and recover the Operational vehicles that the gang used in their deadly activities.
“During the onslaught operation by the Operatives, the suspect (the receiver) was arrested and two vehicles suspected to have been snatched from the unsuspecting members of the public were recovered.
“Unfortunately, the other two suspects fled the scene.
“To this end, the CP assured that the Command is on the offensive against every criminal element in the State and that efforts are in top gear to ensure that the suspects are re-arrested and justice served.
“The erring officers will also face disciplinary action if found culpable.”
