By Chikaodi Chukwuleta and Ebele Ofodile

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has provided clarity on the ongoing investigation into the two fleeing suspects involved in the murder of Hon.Justice Azuka, a serving member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

Briefing the press at the Police Command Headquarters, Awka, he highlighted some of the significant achievements of the Command within the period under review.

CP Orutugu said that it is important to reiterate that the unfortunate incident occurred two days before he formally assumed office as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, on 10th February, 2025.

 According to him, upon receiving intelligence regarding this case, he deemed it necessary to brief Ndi Anambra and the general public, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the security situation in the state.

Recognizing the gravity of the development, he said that he personally look measures to ensure a meticulous investigation aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the case.

CP Orutugu said that from the investigation, the incident took place on 8th February, 2025, in Obosi.

“Two suspects, identified as Ikemefuna Ossai, from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli, from Imo State, are among the 11 suspects already apprehended and paraded by the Command. While they are not the principal actors in the crime, they served as drivers for the criminal gang. The two suspects were assisting operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RSS) Awkuzu, in apprehending one Tochukwu Akolisa from Anambra State. According to their statements, Tochukwu Akolisa was one of the receivers/buyers of stolen vehicles and belongings of their victims.

“During an operation to arrest Tochukwu Akolisa, he attempted to flee upon sighting the police operatives who were accompanied by Ikemefuna and Chinedu. In the course of their operation, Tochukwu Akolisa was shot in the leg and taken into custody. However, in the ensuing confusion, the two suspects managed to escape in a vehicle. Despite an immediate pursuit by police operatives, they abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush. Unfortunately, all efforts to re-arrest them proved abortive,” he said.

According to him, steps have been taken, including activating operational strategies to apprehend the suspects at large and initiating disciplinary actions against officers whose lapses contributed to their escape.

Police Commissioner Orutugu said that the police operatives on patrol arrested an armed suspect by name, Orji Chigozie, in the Upper Iweka area of Onitsha. During searching, officers recovered a local fabricated Beretta pistol concealed inside a bag. Preliminary investigations suggest his involvement in criminal activities in the area.

He also said that the Command has rescued an abducted victim in Ihiala in the early hours of 19th February, 2025. The operatives from 3-3 Division engaged the armed men in a hot pursuit, forcing them to abandon an ash-colored Toyota Corolla with registration number, AND 550 JD, which was reported as stolen and used in the abduction.

On  the Command’s commitment to enhancing security operations, he assured the general public that Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

He also stated that the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency in internal security, will continue to work in synergy with the military, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups to enhance operational capacity, security coverage, and tactical efficiency, with the

goal to arrest criminal activities and ensure that Anambra State remains a safe and secure environment for everyone.