
The Anambra State Police Command has clarified that Chinedu and Ikemefuna, who recently escaped from police custody, were not principal suspects in the kidnapping and murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency.
State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Irutugu, made this known on Friday at the Amawbia police headquarters while parading six suspected criminals arrested for various offenses.
Irutugu explained that Chinedu and Ikemefuna were only guiding officers to the buyer or receiver of Azuka’s stolen vehicles and belongings, not the masterminds of the crime. The key suspect, Tochukwu Akolisa, is already in custody.
The CP admitted that there was a procedural lapse that led to the suspects’ escape, but assured the public that the police high command had taken over the case and would address any negligence by officers involved.
Irutugu emphasized that investigations into Azuka’s kidnapping and murder were still ongoing, with principal suspects cooperating with the police. While acknowledging that officers were focused on arresting Akolisa, he assured that disciplinary actions would be taken against any officer found guilty of misconduct.
During the parade, the police displayed two pump-action guns and a locally made pistol, as the CP reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating violent crimes in Anambra State.