By Christopher Oji
Anambra State Command has identified the murder of Justice Azuka, member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the House of Assembly, as its most pressing task. Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, confessed that re-arresting two suspects has been his most concern.
He told a press conference recently: “It is important to reiterate that this unfortunate incident occurred two days before I formally assumed office on February 10, 2025.
“However, upon receiving intelligence regarding this case on February 18, 2025, I deemed it necessary to brief Ndi Anambra and the general public, reaffirming the command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the state.”
He said, recognising the gravity of the development, he personally took measures to ensure a meticulous investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the case: “Findings from a police investigation confirmed that the incident happened on February 18, 2025, in Obosi. The two fugitives were among 11 suspects apprehended and paraded by the command for murder.
“While they were not the principal actors in the crime, they served as drivers for the gang. The duo was assisting operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RSS), Awkuzu, in apprehending one of the suspects, from Anambra State. According to their statements, the suspect was one of the receivers and buyers of the vehicles and belongings of their victims.
“During an operation, the suspect attempted to flee upon sighting police operatives who were accompanied by Ikemefuna and Chinedu. In the course of this operation, he 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 have so far been unsuccessful.
“I consider it a priority to ensure the re-arrest of these suspects and to implement stringent measures to prevent such security breaches in the future. I am trying to confront the security challenges headlong.”
Another challenge was the gruesome murder of three siblings whose remains were later found in a freezer: “In keeping with the vision to stabilise the security architecture in the state, I am on a mission to fully reclaim the public space across the state as well as maintain law and order. I intend to address the attitude of the people on ideology based on crime, bordering on attack on unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, abduction of persons, destruction of government infrastructures and other sundry offences.
“We have done an assessment of the unfortunate incident of the murder of three siblings kept in the refrigerator in Nnewi. I am also here to console the family and relatives of the victims and to reiterate the commitment of the command over this unwholesome crime, unlike other similar incidents recorded in the state, which bordered on kidnapping of individuals and sudden disappearance of persons. We shall unravel the circumstances surrounding this and ensure that the suspects are arrested and justice served.
“Undoubtedly, the command has been bold in confronting these challenges and indeed recorded several successes lately in curbing these crimes. I have been briefed on how Ndi Anambra and the state government, through the launch of Operation Udo Ga Chi, have risen collectively and joined voices in condemning any act that threatens our national peace and resolved to work together and discuss those issues that tear us apart, not minding our differences.
“To support this move, the command shall take every professional step in crime prevention to enhance crime-fighting strategies through strategic deployment of our intelligence assets and robust synergy with sister security agencies, organised vigilante groups and other stakeholders.
“Anambra State is blessed with vibrant, energetic and enterprising people full of potential. This potential can only be fully realized in a peaceful, secure environment.
“I urge the good people to remain law-abiding, vigilant and to continue to partner and support the police and other security agencies towards combating all forms of criminality as well as ensuring public security and safety in the state.
“For those who have been misled to take to crime, you are warned to retrace your steps, as the command is poised to deal squarely with all acts of criminality without regard for status. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.”
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, said: “In line with the command’s commitment to transparency, strengthened security operations and enhanced collaboration with the state government, CP Orutugu, on February 22, 2025, conducted a facility assessment tour of the Rapid Response Squad formation in Awkuzu, alongside Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
“Orutugu briefed the governor on the operational readiness of the command, particularly in its efforts to re-arrest the fleeing suspects involved in the heinous murder of Azuka. He outlined the proactive measures being implemented to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.”