Police authorities in Anambra State have successfully rearrested a suspect allegedly involved in the kidnapping and brutal murder of the late Justice Azuka.
Justice Azuka, who served as a lawmaker representing the Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, was reportedly abducted by gunmen on December 24, 2024, while returning home along Ugwunapampa Road, Inland Town, Onitsha.
Tragically, his lifeless body was later discovered on the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, following efforts by the Police and other security agencies.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Onitsha, Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the suspect’s rearrest.
According to Ikenga, the suspect was apprehended on May 7 after a meticulous, intelligence-driven operation that involved tracking him across several states in Nigeria and neighboring countries.
“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 Justice Azuka, the distinguished Member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly,” the statement read.
“This rearrest 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 May 7, 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.”
Ikenga said the Police Command, in its continued commitment to transparency and accountability, has 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 the operational lapses that led to the suspect’s earlier escape.
“Further to this development, 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 statement read.