The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that two suspects involved in the kidnapping and murder of the State House of Assembly member, Hon. Justice Azuka, have escaped from its custody.
Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the development through a statement issued on Tuesday night.Gunmen, on December 24, 2024, abducted Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in State House of Assembly.
His decomposing body was found weeks later in the aftermath of the intense search by a joint security team on February 6 at the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha.
Following investigations, police arrested nine suspects in connection with the murder.
According to Ikenga, the escape occurred when police operatives took the two suspects on an operation to apprehend a receiver of stolen vehicles linked to the criminal gang.
Although the receiver was arrested and two vehicles were recovered, the two suspects managed to flee the scene.
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has deployed human, operational, and intelligence assets in manhunt for the suspects.
He said they would be re-arrested and justice would be served in accordance.
The police commissioner assured the public that the operatives are intensifying efforts to locate and re-arrest the suspects.
He also emphasized that any officers found responsible for the suspects’ escape would face disciplinary action