By Jude Michael
The Anambra State Police Command has announced the re-arrest of a kidnap suspect linked to the death of a lawmaker in Anambra State, Hon Justice Azuka who represented Onitsha South 1 State Constituency.
Azuka was on Christmas Eve last year abducted, and close to two months after, his remains were found around the Second Nigeria Bridge. His abductors were also arrested, but later, two of them escaped after they were led to the home of another suspect.
The incident has caused an uproar, with many blaming the police of complicity over the escape of the suspect.
But recently, the state command announced the re-arrest of one of the suspects.
The State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect, Ikemefuna Ossai, was re-arrested after painstaking investigation and undercover job.
He said: ‘The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that its operatives have successfully rearrested one Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect in the kidnapping and gruesome murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka.
‘This re-arrest followed a painstaking and intelligence-led operation. The suspect, who had previously escaped custody, was tracked across multiple states within Nigeria and even into a neighbouring West African country.
‘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.’
He said the command had briefed relevant stakeholders, including the family of the late lawmaker and the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
‘During the engagement, the Commissioner of Police acknowledged and expressed regret over what he described as the operational lapses that led to the suspect’s earlier escape.
‘Actionable intelligence obtained from the suspect is currently aiding ongoing operations. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitive and dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime.
‘The Anambra State Police Command reiterates its unwavering resolve to bring all perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of Ndi Anambra,’ the release read.
