The Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with state vigilante operatives, has arrested nine suspects allegedly involved in the murder of Anambra State House of Assembly member, Justice Azuka.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnaghe Itam, confirmed the arrests during a press briefing on Friday. Azuka, who represented Onitsha North Constituency 1, was abducted on December 24, 2024, in Onitsha. His decomposing body was discovered on the 2nd Niger Bridge on Thursday by a joint security team comprising police officers and vigilante personnel.
During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered two pump-action guns from the suspects. One of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound to the leg following an exchange of gunfire with the police.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
• Ugochukwu Onuorah (30)
• Ikemefuna Ossai (20)
• Ikenna Orugu (27)
• Chibuike Obiefuna (19)
• Chinonso Olisa (19)
• Chinedu Okoli (21)
• David Ojini (25)
• Peter Sunday (20), who was described as the most notorious among them, bearing a tattoo on his chest that reads “No peace 4 d Government.”
Additionally, CP Itam announced the arrest of Chidiebere Nwosu, a suspected kidnapper apprehended in Uruagu, Nnewi. Several of his gang members, who had previously attacked police personnel from the Rapid Response Squad, were neutralized during the operation on October 3, 2024.
The Commissioner further revealed that over 100 notorious criminals had been eliminated, and multiple criminal hideouts across locations such as Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, and Ogbaru had been dismantled.
He expressed his appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his leadership and support. He also thanked Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, other security agencies, the media, civil society groups, and residents for their cooperation in improving security within the state.
Reassuring the public, CP Itam emphasized the police’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, vowing that law enforcement agencies would not take the trust of the people for granted.
RELATED: Kidnapped Anambra Lawmaker Justice Azuka Discovered Dead
