The Anambra State Police Command says its operatives have successfully rearrested one of the fleeing suspects allegedly involved in the kidnapping and murder of Justice Azuka.
Mr Azuka was a lawmaker representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The command’s spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed his re-arrest in a statement on Tuesday in Onitsha.
Azuka 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.
The fleeing suspects, who were among 11 others detained in connection with the alleged murder, escaped when they led operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in search of one Tochukwu Akolisa.
Akolisa was fingered by the suspects as one of those buying off their victims’ vehicles and other valuables.
According to Ikenga, the re-arrest 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,” Ikenga said.
The police image maker further explained that the state commissioner of police, 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.
