News
Anger, suspicion rock Police command as two suspected killers of lawmaker escaped custody
In Anambra State, news of escape of two suspected killers of a member of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka has triggered anger and suspicion of conspiracy among security agents.
The suspicion followed the Anambra State Police Command that two suspects in the murder case of the former lawmaker escaped from its custody.
The news of escape was contained in a statement by the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga on Tuesday, explaining that the gunmen who were arrested after the killing of Justice Azuka have escaped.
The late State House of Assembly lawmaker who represented Onitsha 1 Constituency was abducted by gunmen on December 24, 2024, only for his corpse to be recovered weeks later by security agents.
His corpse was dumped at the second Niger bridge in Onitsha on February 6 already decomposing.
Investigations carried out by police led to the arrest of two suspects in connection with the murder.
The statement added that suspects escaped when police operatives took the two of them on an operation to arrest a receiver of stolen vehicles linked to the criminal gang.
Although the receiver was arrested and two vehicles were recovered, the two suspects managed to flee the scene.
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has deployed human, operational, and intelligence assets in manhunt for the suspects.
He said they would be re-arrested and justice would be served in accordance.
The police commissioner assured the public that it was intensifying efforts to locate and re-arrest the suspects.
He also emphasized that any officers found responsible for the suspects’ escape would face disciplinary action.
A resident of upper Iweka in Onitsha speaking with our correspondent expressed the total lack of confidence on the Police’s handling of the murder of late Justice Azuka.
The resident who identified himself as Anaeme Chukwudi wondered how suspects are taken out of custody for criminal investigation without being handcuffed, saying that he suspects a foul play.
