Anambra state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikioye Orutugu, has clarified that principal suspects in connection to the kidnap and murder of Anambra lawmaker and member represented Onitsha North I State Constituency, Honourable Justice Azuka, are still in police custody.
Briefing journalists today in Awka while parading one Tochukwu Akolisa who is said to be the car receiver in connection with the crime which Police operatives was trying to arrest before the other suspects’ escape, CP Orutugu assured that the fleeing suspects, Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, will be re-arrested, and measures will be taken to prevent such “operational lapses”.
He also announced that on 18th February 2025 at about 8pm, Police operatives at Upper Iweka arrested one Chigozie Orji with locally fabricated Beretta pistol concealed inside a bag, adding that an abducted victim was also rescued by officers of the command.
He assured continued synergy with other sister security agencies, including local vigilante groups, in order to improve operational capacity, security coverage and tactical efficiency, adding that the goal is to disrupt criminal activities and ensure that Anambra State remains a safe and secure environment for all.
The Police statement reads in full:
PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, ANAMBRA STATE, CP IKIOYE ORUTUGU, fwc, mnips, PhD, ON 21ST FEBRUARY 2025, AT ANAMBRA STATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, AWKA
Protocols.
Distinguished members of the press, the purpose of this briefing is to provide clarity on the ongoing investigation into the two fleeing suspects involved in the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a serving member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. Additionally, I will highlight some of the significant achievements of the Command within the period under review.
It is important to reiterate that this unfortunate incident occurred two days before I formally assumed office as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, on 10th February 2025. However, upon receiving intelligence regarding this case on 18th February 2025, I deemed it necessary to brief Ndi Anambra and the general public, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the state.
Recognizing the gravity of this development, I personally took measures to ensure a meticulous investigation aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the case.
Findings from our investigation confirm that the incident took place on 8th February 2025 in Obosi. Two suspects, identified as Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, are among the eleven (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, Tochukwu 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.
As the substantive Commissioner of Police, I consider it a priority to ensure the re-arrest of these 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.
Security Achievements Within the Period Under Review
Despite this setback, the Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in stabilizing the security landscape of the state. Some of our notable achievements include:
Arrest of an Armed Suspect
On 18th February 2025, at approximately 8:00 PM, police operatives on patrol in the Upper Iweka area of Onitsha intercepted and arrested one Orji Chigozie, a male suspect. Upon searching his belongings, officers recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol concealed inside a bag. Preliminary investigations suggest his involvement in criminal activities in the area. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for further investigation and subsequent legal action.
Rescue of an Abducted Victim
Following an extensive and coordinated operation, police operatives successfully rescued an abducted victim in Ihiala in the early hours of 19th February 2025. The victim had been abducted by suspected armed men at approximately 11:30 PM on 18th February 2025 along Ilo Akpukwu Road, Nkwelle Ezunaka.
Prior to the rescue, operatives from the 3-3 Division engaged the armed men in a hot pursuit, forcing them to abandon an ash-colored Toyota Corolla with registration number AND 550 JD, which had been reported as stolen and used in the abduction. The vehicle has been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Commitment to Enhancing Security Operations
On behalf of the Anambra State Police Command and in collaboration with other security agencies, I wish to assure the public that we remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. The Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency in internal security, will continue to work in synergy with the military, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups to enhance operational capacity, security coverage, and tactical efficiency. Our goal is to disrupt criminal activities and ensure that Anambra State remains a safe and secure environment for all.
Thank you for your attention, and may God bless us all.
