Anambra: Police make u-turn on identify of escaped suspects who murdered lawmaker

Anambra state police command, Friday, explained that two escapees from their custody were not prime suspects in connection with abduction and murder of late Hon. Justice Azuka of State House of Assembly.

The state Police Commissioner, Dr Ikioye Orutugu, who disclosed this at a press conference held at command’s headquarters in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area (LGA), described the suspects, Ikemefuna Ossai and Chinedu Okoli as drivers allegedly driving the syndicates.

According to him, the two suspects escaped on February 8, 2025 when operatives used them as a ploy and drivers to arrest another suspect who usually buy stolen vehicles from the gang.

The new police Commissioner while noting that the incident occurred at Obosi, Idemili North LGA, added that he assumed office on 10th February, two days before he took over from the immediate past Commissioner, Nnaghe Obono-Itam.

“There are among 11 suspects already apprehended and paraded by the Command. While they are not the principal actors in the crime, they served as drivers for the criminal gang. The duo was assisting operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RSS) Awkuzu in apprehending one Tochukwu Akolisa from Anambra State.

“According to their statements, Tochukwu Akolisa was one of the receivers or buyers of stolen vehicles and belongings of their victims. During an operation to arrest Tochukwu Akolisa, he attempted to flee upon sighting the police operatives who were accompanied by Ikemefuna and Chinedu.

“In the course of this operation, Akolisa was shot in the leg and taken into custody. However, in the ensuing confusion, the two suspects managed to escape in a vehicle. Despite an immediate pursuit by police operatives, they abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush. Unfortunately, all efforts to re-arrest them have so far been unsuccessful,” he added.

He, however, assured Anambra populace of security of lives and property, adding that the command under his administration has considered it a priority to ensure the re-arrest of the suspects and to implement stringent measures to prevent such security breaches in the future.

“I have duly briefed the Force Headquarters on the current situation and the steps taken, including activating operational strategies to apprehend the suspects at large and initiating disciplinary actions against officers whose lapses contributed to their escape,” he noted.

The command also paraded Akaolisa and one Chigozie Orji, a suspect arrested on 18th February 2025 at Upper Iweka area of Onitsha, and upon searching his belongings, a locally fabricated Beretta pistol concealed inside a bag was recovered.

He also recalled about rescue of an abducted victim from Ihiala on 19th February 2025, and recovery of ash-colored Toyota Corolla with registration number AND 550 JD, which had been reported as stolen and used in the abduction.