The Anambra State Police Command has activated an operational plan to re-arrest two suspects involved in the murder of Late Honorable Justice Azuka, the Member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly. The suspects escaped during a police operation aimed at apprehending a receiver of stolen goods and recovering operational vehicles used by the criminal gang.
The Commissioner of Police, *CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD*, upon receiving the report of the escape, immediately deployed human, operational, and intelligence assets to track down the fleeing suspects. He also directed that disciplinary action be taken against officers found negligent in the handling of the operation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the two suspects were assisting police investigators in an operation to arrest a receiver of stolen goods and recover vehicles linked to the gang’s criminal activities. During the operation, the receiver was successfully arrested, and two vehicles suspected to have been stolen from members of the public were recovered. However, the two suspects managed to flee the scene, prompting the police to launch a manhunt.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, *SP Tochukwu Ikenga*, the Commissioner of Police assured the public that the Command is committed to bringing the suspects to justice. “The Anambra State Police Command is on the offensive against all criminal elements in the state. We are working tirelessly to ensure the re-arrest of the suspects and to serve justice in this case,” the statement read.
The Commissioner also emphasized that officers found culpable of negligence would face disciplinary action. “The Command will not tolerate any form of negligence in the discharge of our duties. Officers involved in this operation will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate sanctions will be applied if they are found wanting,” he added.
The murder of Late Honorable Justice Azuka has been a high-profile case in the state, with the police under pressure to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice. The escape of the two suspects has raised concerns, but the police have reassured the public that they are doing everything possible to rectify the situation.
The Anambra State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could lead to the re-arrest of the suspects.
