Two suspects linked to the murder of Anambra State lawmaker, Justice Azuka, have escaped from police custody, sparking concerns over security lapses within the state police command.
The Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
According to Ikenga, the suspects had been assisting police operatives in an ongoing investigation when they managed to flee.
The escape occurred during an operation aimed at arresting a suspected receiver of stolen vehicles used by the criminal gang. While the police successfully apprehended the receiver and recovered two stolen vehicles, the two key suspects managed to evade capture.
“During the onslaught operation by the operatives, the suspect (the receiver) was arrested, and two vehicles suspected to have been snatched from unsuspecting members of the public were recovered,” Ikenga said. “Unfortunately, the other two suspects fled the scene.”
In response, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered an immediate manhunt for the fugitives, deploying operational and intelligence teams to track them down. Additionally, disciplinary action has been initiated against officers whose negligence may have led to the escape.
The development comes just weeks after Azuka’s decomposing body was discovered at the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha. The lawmaker had been abducted by gunmen on December 14, 2024, before his murder sent shockwaves through the state.
Authorities have assured the public that efforts are underway to re-arrest the escaped suspects and bring them to justice.
