BREAKING: Suspects in Anambra Lawmaker's Murder Escape from Police Custody

 

Two suspects linked to the abduction and murder of Anambra State House of Assembly member, Justice Azuka, have escaped from police custody, sparking a renewed manhunt by law enforcement.

The late lawmaker was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, in Inland Town, Onitsha. After weeks of investigation, a joint security team discovered his decomposed body under the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025. Nine suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.

In a statement on Tuesday, February 18, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the escape and assured the public that efforts are underway to recapture the suspects. He also stated that disciplinary action will be taken against officers whose negligence led to the escape.

According to the police, the two suspects had been assisting with an operation to track down the receiver of stolen vehicles used by the gang. During the operation, the receiver was arrested, and two stolen vehicles were recovered. However, amidst the chaos, the suspects managed to flee.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has deployed operational, human, and intelligence resources to re-arrest the fugitives and hold accountable any officers found responsible for the lapse in security.

"The Command is on an aggressive offensive against criminal elements in the state, and all efforts are in top gear to ensure the re-arrest of the suspects and that justice is served," the statement read.

The incident has raised concerns about security lapses in high-profile criminal cases, with many awaiting further updates on the police efforts to bring the escaped suspects back into custody.