Police hunt for two fleeing suspects in Anambra lawmaker’s murder case
The Anambra State Police Command has reactivated operational plans to rearrest two suspects involved in the murder of Justice Azuka, the member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly.
The suspects, who had been arrested in connection with the lawmaker’s murder, escaped from custody two days ago during an operation to apprehend the receiver of stolen vehicles used by the gang in their criminal activities.
Although the receiver was arrested and two stolen vehicles were recovered, the two suspects managed to flee the scene.
Reacting to the development in a press statement on Tuesday, the spokesman for the police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police had launched a manhunt to track down the fleeing suspects.
The statement read, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, upon receiving the report on February 18, 2025, regarding the escape of the two suspects involved in the murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka, has deployed human, operational, and intelligence assets to ensure their rearrest. He has also directed immediate disciplinary action against any officers found negligent in this regard.
“Preliminary information reveals that following the confession of the criminal gang, two of the suspects assisted police investigators in an operation to apprehend the receiver of stolen vehicles and recover the vehicles used in their crimes.
“During the operation, the receiver was arrested, and two stolen vehicles were recovered. Unfortunately, the two suspects fled the scene.”
The Commissioner assured the public that the police are intensifying efforts to recapture the escapees and bring them to justice. He also reiterated that officers culpable in the escape would face disciplinary action.
