Two Suspected Killers Of Anambra Lawmaker, Justice Azuka Escape From Police Custody

Anambra State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt to recapture two suspects who escaped while in custody for the murder of Anambra lawmaker, Justice Azuka.

Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the development in a statement issued in Onitsha on Tuesday.

According to him, the two suspects, who were assisting investigators in an operation to recover stolen vehicles and arrest an alleged buyer, managed to flee during the process.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Orutugu, on receipt of the report today, Feb. 18, about the escape of the two suspects involved in the murder of late Justice Azuka, Member Representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly.

“He has consequently deployed both human, operational and intelligence assets of the Command for the re-arrest of the suspects and directed immediate disciplinary action against the Officers found wanton in this regard.

“Preliminary information reveals that following the confession of the criminal gang, two of the suspects assisting the Police Investigating Officers in an operation to arrest the receiver and recover the operational vehicles that the gang used in their deadly activities, escaped.

“During the onslaught operation by the operatives, the suspect (the receiver) was arrested and two vehicles suspected to have been snatched from the unsuspecting members of the public were recovered.

“Unfortunately, the other two suspects fled the scene.” Ikenga aid.

Despite the escape, police successfully apprehended the suspected receiver and recovered two vehicles believed to have been snatched from the public.

Ikenga reassured that law enforcement is intensifying efforts to recapture the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

He also emphasized that any officers found responsible for the lapse will face disciplinary consequences.

This comes about two weeks after a joint security team found the decomposing body of the lawmaker, Justice Azuka, who was abducted by gunmen on December 14, 2024.