Suspect linked to kidnapping, murder of Anambra lawmaker re-arrested

By Monday Ajogun

One of the fleeing suspects allegedly involved in the kidnapping and gruesome murder of Mr Justice Azuka, a member of Anambra State House of Assembly has been rearrested.

The rearrested suspect was among 11 others arrested by the police in connection with the murder of the Anambra lawmaker.

However, he escaped when he and the other suspects led operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in search of one Tochukwu Akolisa who they identified as one of those buying ’ vehicles and other valuables they took from their victims.

The Anambra Police Command announced the re-arrest of the suspect in a statement by its Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday in Onitsha.

According to Ikenna, the re-arrest of the suspect followed a painstaking and intelligence-led 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.

“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.”

The Anambra command image maker explained the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had acknowledged and expressed regret over the operational lapses that led to the suspect’s earlier escape.

He said that actionable intelligence obtained from the suspect was currently aiding ongoing operations.

“The command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitive and dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime,” he said.

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.

The lawmaker who represented Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly was reportedly kidnapped by gunmen on Dec. 24, 2024, while returning home at Ugwunapampa Road, Inland Town, Onitsha.

The Police and other sister security agencies later recovered his lifeless body on the Second Niger Bridge on February 6.

(NAN)