Two suspects arrested for their alleged role in the abduction and murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, have escaped from police custody. The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident, raising concerns over security lapses within the force and prompting urgent efforts to track down the fugitives.
Hon. Azuka, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), was abducted at Ugwunankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha. His tragic disappearance led to weeks of uncertainty until his decomposing body was discovered on the 2nd Niger Bridge, a staggering 40 days after his abduction. Over the weekend, he was laid to rest in Onitsha amidst an atmosphere of grief and mourning from family, friends, and political associates.
Confirming the escape, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, assured the public that intensive measures were being taken to recapture the fugitives. He also disclosed that officers responsible for the escape would be subjected to disciplinary action.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, upon receiving the report of the escape, immediately deployed human, operational, and intelligence resources to track down the suspects. Additionally, disciplinary measures have been initiated against any officers found culpable,” Ikenga stated.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the two suspects had been assisting police officers in an ongoing operation aimed at apprehending a receiver of stolen goods and recovering vehicles linked to the gang’s criminal activities. During the operation, the receiver was successfully arrested, and two stolen vehicles were recovered. However, in a shocking turn of events, the two detainees managed to escape custody under circumstances yet to be fully disclosed by the authorities.
The Anambra State Police Command has been under pressure to provide a detailed account of how the escape occurred, particularly as the suspects were considered key to unraveling the full details behind Hon. Azuka’s abduction and murder. Security analysts have raised concerns about the efficiency of custodial supervision and operational procedures within the command.
In response to public outrage and concerns about security breaches, Commissioner Orutugu reassured the citizens of Anambra State that law enforcement agencies remain resolute in their pursuit of justice.
“Efforts are in top gear to re-arrest the fugitives and bring them to justice. Officers found negligent in this matter will also face disciplinary action,” Ikenga reiterated.
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The escape has sparked fresh debates on the state of security in Anambra, particularly in the handling of high-profile criminal cases. Many residents and stakeholders have urged the police to strengthen their investigative and custodial processes to prevent future occurrences.
As the police continue their manhunt for the escaped suspects, the public remains watchful, hoping for swift justice in the case of Hon. Justice Azuka, whose brutal murder has left a scar on the political and security landscape of the state. Authorities have called for heightened vigilance and urged citizens to report any information that may aid in the swift reapprehension of the fugitives.
