The Anambra State Police Command has rearrested a prime suspect involved in the kidnap and murder of the late member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka.
Azuka, who represented Onitsha 1 Constituency was kidnapped in his country home of Onitsha on the eve of Christmas, 2025 and subsequently found dead close to the Second Niger Bridge with his car also recovered.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga announced the re arrest on Tuesday, saying that the suspect who was identified as Ikemefuna Ossai, was apprehended following a painstaking, intelligence-led operation.
He said the suspect who had previously escaped from custody was tracked across multiple states in Nigeria, including a neighboring West African country before he was eventually rearrested on May 7, 2025, in Asaba, Delta State.
The statement read in part, “The suspect upon sighting the operatives attempted to evade arrest but was swiftly subdued. In the process, he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg”.
He noted that the Police Command has already briefed relevant stakeholders, including the family of the late lawmaker and the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly, about the latest development.
The police spokesman said, “During the engagement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, acknowledged and expressed regret over the operational lapses that led to the suspect’s earlier escape from custody.
“Following this development, actionable intelligence obtained from the suspect is currently aiding ongoing operations.
The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime.”
According to him, “the Anambra State Police Command has reiterated its unwavering commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice and ensuring the continued safety and security of Ndi Anambra.”
Meanwhile, Operatives of the Bayelsa state vigilante security outfit stationed at the Tombia-Etegwe roundabout in Yenagoa have apprehended two suspected pickpockets and recovered several stolen mobile phones.
The suspects, 33-year-old Daniel Michael Agu from Abia State and 34-year-old Okpoh Kelvin from Bayelsa State, were arrested after a victim identified them. The incident occurred inside a tricycle, where the victim’s phone was stolen. After spotting the suspects again, the victim reported the incident to nearby vigilante officers, leading to a swift arrest.
One of the suspects, Daniel, confessed that they had been operating within Yenagoa for years, using tricycles as a cover to steal from unsuspecting passengers,he admitted they made a daily income from the criminal act.
Chairman of the Bayelsa Vigilante Security Outfit, Hon. Doubiye Alagba, revealed that Daniel Agu is the ringleader of the gang and has recruited several young men into the illicit trade,he also stated that Agu had long been on the outfit’s wanted list.
Alagba further alleged that the gang often uses charms and diabolic means to carry out their thefts, making this arrest a significant breakthrough in curbing pickpocketing in the area.
Recounting the incident, Alagba said the complainant, a man named Abasi from Akwa Ibom State, realized his phone had been stolen shortly after boarding a tricycle.
Acting quickly, he boarded another tricycle and overtook the suspects’ vehicle, then reported the incident to the vigilante unit nearby. A stop-and-search operation was immediately conducted, leading to the arrest of the culprits.
“Several phones were found in their possession, including that of the complainant,” Alagba confirmed.
“When one of the phones was switched on, the rightful owner called and confirmed she had also been robbed by the same suspects at another location in Yenagoa.”
The suspects have been handed over to Operation Doo-Akpo of the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation.
