Anambra Assembly rejects police account of suspects’ escape in lawmaker’s murder

From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka

The Anambra State House of Assembly has rejected the police explanation regarding the escape of some of the suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap and killing of one of its members, Hon. Justice Azuka, describing the police version as shocking.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, described as shocking and unfortunate the press release by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, announcing the escape of two of the arrested suspects involved in the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka of Onitsha North One Constituency.

In a press statement issued from his office in Awka, Rt. Hon. Udeze maintained that the State House of Assembly deeply regrets the unfortunate development, which he said casts a shadow over the otherwise commendable and professional manner in which the police have been handling the investigation. He emphasised that the position of the State Legislature is that the fleeing suspects must be tracked and apprehended at all costs.

The Speaker called on the State Commissioner of Police to redouble his efforts and take all necessary measures to ensure that the escaped suspects are re-arrested and brought to justice, as, according to him, Hon. Azuka will not die in vain.

He urged the State Police to declare the escaped suspects wanted and publish their full names, addresses, and photographs to enable the public to help in locating them for possible re-arrest.