NaijaRush Crime Report: Police Re-Arrest Fugitive Suspect in Shocking Kidnap and M*rder of Anambra Lawmaker, Justice Azuka

 

In a major development in one of Anambra State's most heartbreaking criminal cases, the State Police Command has successfully re-arrested one of the key suspects involved in the abduction and brutal m*rder of the late Honourable Justice Azuka. The late lawmaker was a Member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing the Onitsha 1 Constituency.

A Chilling Crime That Shook Anambra

The tragic incident began on December 24, 2024, when Hon. Justice Azuka was abducted by unidentified gunmen in the Inland Town area of Onitsha, just a day before Christmas. For several weeks, his whereabouts remained unknown, leading to growing concerns among his constituents, colleagues, and loved ones.

Sadly, the fears were confirmed when, on February 6, 2025, a joint security task force recovered his decomposing body under the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha. This discovery sent shockwaves across the state, sparking public outrage and demands for justice.

Following investigations, nine suspects were arrested in connection to this horrendous act. However, in a shocking twist, the police later revealed that two of those suspects had escaped from custody under unclear circumstances — a development that raised serious questions about police oversight and security measures.

A Breakthrough After Months of Tracking

In a press statement released on May 13, 2025, the Spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, announced a breakthrough in the case. He revealed that one of the escaped suspects, identified as Ikemefuna Ossai, has now been re-arrested following a highly strategic and intelligence-led manhunt.

According to SP Ikenga, the fugitive was not easy to catch. He disclosed that the operation involved tracking the suspect across multiple Nigerian states and even following leads that extended into a neighbouring West African country — although the specific country was not named.

Ikenga explained:

“He was eventually apprehended on 7th May 2025 in Asaba, Delta State. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to escape arrest but was swiftly subdued and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg in the process,” Ikenga said.

Intelligence Gained and Ongoing Efforts

SP Tochukwu Ikenga further mentioned that the re-arrested suspect is now cooperating with investigators. He said the police are already acting on “actionable intelligence” obtained from the suspect, which is helping to expand ongoing operations aimed at uncovering the full criminal network behind the lawmaker’s abduction and m*rder.

He also emphasized that the police are taking steps to ensure transparency and accountability in the investigation. Part of that effort, he said, includes keeping stakeholders informed, particularly the family of the late Hon. Justice Azuka and the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly.

During these briefings, the Commissioner of Police reportedly took full responsibility for earlier security failures that allowed suspects to escape from custody. According to Ikenga:

“The Commissioner of Police acknowledged and expressed regret over the operational lapses that led to the suspect's earlier escape.”

What Happens Next?

With one fugitive now back in custody, the hunt continues for the second escapee. The police command has vowed to intensify efforts to track down and arrest all remaining members of the gang that carried out the brutal killing of the lawmaker.

“The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime,” Ikenga concluded.

Final Thoughts

This case is a painful reminder of the rising insecurity and organized criminal activity affecting parts of Nigeria, even targeting public officials. While the re-arrest of Ikemefuna Ossai is a significant win for law enforcement, the public will be closely watching to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice — and that future lapses in police custody are prevented.

Stay tuned to NaijaRush for more updates as this story develops.