The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of nine suspects linked to the murder of Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The arrests were made on Thursday by police operatives in collaboration with state vigilante groups.
Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Itam, who confirmed the development during a press briefing on Friday, stated that the suspects were “actively involved” in the killing.
Azuka, who represented Onitsha North Constituency 1, was abducted on 24 December 2024 in Onitsha. His decomposing body was found on Thursday on the 2nd Niger Bridge by a joint security team.
Weapons Recovered from Suspects
The Commissioner of Police disclosed that the arrested suspects were found in possession of two pump-action guns, adding that one of them sustained a gunshot wound during an exchange of fire with police operatives.
The suspects include:
- Ugochukwu Onuorah (30 years)
- Ikemefuna Ossai (20 years)
- Ikenna Orugu (27 years)
- Chibuike Obiefuna (19 years)
- Chinonso Olisa (19 years)
- Chinedu Okoli (21 years)
- David Ojini (25 years)
- Peter Sunday (20 years), identified as the most notorious among them
In addition to these arrests, police have also apprehended a kidnap suspect, Chidiebere Nwosu, in Uruagu, Nnewi, and neutralised several members of his gang involved in an attack on Rapid Response Squad personnel on 3 October 2024.
Police Neutralise Over 100 Criminals
CP Itam further revealed that security forces have neutralised more than 100 notorious criminals and dismantled multiple criminal camps in Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, Ogbaru, and other locations in the state.
He thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his support, as well as Governor Chukwuma Soludo, sister agencies, civil society groups, and the media for their cooperation.
The Police Commissioner reassured residents that security forces remain committed to protecting lives and property in Anambra State.