The Anambra State Police Command has successfully rearrested a suspect who previously escaped custody after being linked to the kidnapping and brutal killing of the late Mr. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha 1 Constituency.
State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Onitsha.
Azuka was reportedly abducted on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunapampa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha, while returning home.
His remains were later discovered on the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025, following a joint search operation involving the police and other security agencies.
The suspect, one of 11 individuals earlier arrested in connection to the crime, had escaped during a follow-up operation by the Rapid Response Squad , Awkuzu.
The operatives were led by the suspects themselves in a bid to locate one Tochukwu Akolisa, who was accused of buying vehicles and other belongings taken from kidnap victims.
According to Ikenga, the re-arrest was the result of a diligent intelligence-driven operation.
“The suspect, who had previously escaped custody, was tracked across multiple states within Nigeria and even into a neighbouring West African country.
“He was eventually apprehended on May 7 in Asaba, the Delta capital.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to escape arrest but was swiftly subdued and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg in the process,” he said.
He further stated that the police had informed all relevant stakeholders of the arrest, including the bereaved family and the leadership of the Anambra State Assembly.
“The command, in its continued commitment to transparency and accountability, has briefed relevant stakeholders, including the family of the late lawmaker and the leadership of the Anambra House of Assembly,” he noted.
Commenting on the earlier escape, Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had acknowledged shortcomings during the initial operation.
He added that fresh insights obtained from the re-arrested suspect were proving useful to ongoing investigations.
“The command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitive and dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime,”
“He reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to bring all perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of the people of the state,” Ikenga added.