Fleeing Anambra Lawmaker’s Murder Suspects Escaped After My Assumption of Office – CP Orutugu
By Oge Onyeanusi Onitsha
Awka, Feb. 21, 2025 –
The Anambra State Police Command has launched an intensified manhunt for two fleeing suspects linked to the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a serving legislator representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Anambra State Police Headquarters in Awka, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to justice and public safety.
According to CP Orutugu, the murder occurred on February 8, 2025, in Obosi, just two days before he assumed office. Intelligence received on February 18 prompted an immediate briefing to update Ndi Anambra on the ongoing investigation.
The police have already arrested 11 suspects linked to the crime, including Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, both of whom served as drivers for the criminal gang.
They were assisting operatives in apprehending Tochukwu Akolisa, a suspected receiver of stolen goods, when the operation took a dramatic turn.
During the raid, Tochukwu Akolisa attempted to escape but was shot in the leg and taken into custody. However, in the chaos that followed, Ikemefuna and Chinedu fled in a vehicle, later abandoning it to escape into a nearby bush. Despite immediate pursuit, they remain at large.
CP Orutugu assured the public that their re-arrest is a top priority, adding that disciplinary measures are being taken against officers whose lapses contributed to the escape. Operational strategies have also been activated to track down the suspects.
Despite the setback, the Commissioner highlighted key achievements of the police in recent days
On February 18, police operatives apprehended Orji Chigozie in Onitsha, recovering a locally fabricated Beretta pistol concealed in his bag. Investigations suggest his involvement in criminal activities.
In the early hours of February 19, police rescued a kidnapped victim in Ihiala. The victim had been abducted the previous night, but a swift operation forced the abductors to abandon their vehicle and flee. The recovered car, an ash-colored Toyota Corolla, is now in police custody, and efforts to arrest the culprits are ongoing.
CP Orutugu reassured residents that the Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, remains committed to safeguarding lives and property. He emphasized that efforts to dismantle criminal networks will continue, ensuring Anambra remains a safe place for all.
“We will not relent until justice is served, and the security of this state is fully stabilized,” CP vowed.
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