Awka, Nigeria — The Anambra State Police Command has clarified that the two suspects who escaped custody in connection with the murder of former Anambra State lawmaker, Justice Azuka, are not the principal culprits in the ongoing investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikioye Orutugu, made this known while addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Amawbia. He noted that the tragic incident occurred just two days before his official assumption of duty as the Commissioner of Police on February 10, 2025.
Providing insights into the case, CP Orutugu disclosed that intelligence reports on February 18 prompted him to update the public, reaffirming the Command’s dedication to transparency and proactive security measures.
He identified the two fleeing suspects as Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, emphasizing that while they were among the eleven suspects earlier paraded by the Command, their role in the crime was limited to serving as drivers for the criminal gang.
According to the Commissioner, both suspects were cooperating with operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu to track down Tochukwu Akolisa, an Anambra-based receiver of stolen vehicles and other belongings from victims.
During an operation to apprehend Tochukwu Akolisa, the suspect attempted to flee upon sighting police operatives, who were accompanied by Ikemefuna and Chinedu. In the course of the operation, Akolisa was shot in the leg and taken into custody. However, amid the ensuing commotion, the two suspects managed to escape in a vehicle.
Despite immediate pursuit by police operatives, the escapees abandoned the vehicle and fled into a bush in Obosi. Efforts to re-arrest them have so far been unsuccessful.
Reassuring the public, CP Orutugu reiterated the Command’s unwavering resolve to ensure their recapture and strengthen security protocols to prevent similar breaches.
The Commissioner further confirmed that the Force Headquarters had been briefed on the situation, with decisive operational strategies underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects. Additionally, disciplinary actions have been initiated against officers whose negligence contributed to their escape.
The statement concluded with a renewed commitment from the Anambra State Police Command to intensify efforts in maintaining law and order across the state.
By Enoch Odesola| February 21, 2025.
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