The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of nine suspects linked to the abduction and murder of Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra House of Assembly. Addresses the PressCommissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono disclosed this information during a press briefing on Friday, stating that the suspects were arrested in a joint operation with the Anambra Vigilante Group.
According to reports, Mr. Azuka was abducted on December 24, 2024, while returning home for Christmas celebrations. His decomposing body was later found at the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State.The police commissioner recalled that the joint security team discovered the lawmaker’s body on Thursday morning. The commissioner said the killing of Mr. Azuka motivated the joint security team “to go the extra mile” in their investigation to track down the killers.
“Given the above on the same day, the Command Operatives in a joint operation with Anambra State Vigilante Operatives, acting on intelligent-led information, arrested nine suspects actively involved in this unfortunate incident and recovered two pump action guns,” he said. One of the suspects sustained a gunshot injury in his leg during a gun duel with the police operatives.
The police chief identified the arrested suspects as Ugochukwu Onuorah, 30, Ikemefuna Ossai, 20, Ikenna Orugu, 27, Chibuike Obiefuna, 19, and Chinonso Olisa, 19. Mr. Obono said the police also arrested a suspected kidnapper, Chidiebere Nwosu, in the Nnewi Area of the state.
He said members of the suspect’s criminal gang who attacked police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad in October were killed by police operatives. “We have also neutralised more than 100 notorious criminals and successfully destroyed many criminal camps in Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, Ogbaru and many other places in the state,” the commissioner said.Mr. Obono commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State for their support to the police in the state.
He also hailed vigilante operatives and civil society groups as well as journalists for their support to him throughout his stay in Anambra as the police commissioner in the state.The police commissioner assured that the command would continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice for the late lawmaker and his family. The police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the lawmaker’s abduction and murder.
The police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. The arrest of the nine suspects is a significant breakthrough in the investigation, and the police are committed to ensuring that justice is served. The police commissioner’s statement highlighted the command’s efforts to combat crime and ensure safety in Anambra State.
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