The hunt for two suspects accused of the shocking murder of Anambra lawmaker, Justice Azuka, has taken a startling twist. Two of the alleged perpetrators, Ikemefuna Ossai and Chinedu Okoli, managed to escape from police custody, prompting a wave of public outrage and serious questions about security lapses within the Anambra State Police Command.
The daring escape occurred on February 8, just days before Ikioye Orutugu assumed office as the Commissioner of Police for the state. The news was officially disclosed on February 21 by CP Orutugu during a press briefing in Awka, sparking widespread concern over the effectiveness of the police in handling such high-profile cases.
“An investigation into the escape has shown operational lapses at several levels,” Orutugu said, admitting the gravity of the incident. “As the newly-appointed Commissioner of Police, it is my priority to ensure that these suspects are re-arrested and that strict measures are put in place to avoid a recurrence.”
The escape has become a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, as the police intensify their efforts to track down Ossai and Okoli, who are believed to have been part of a larger criminal network responsible for the death of Justice Azuka.
A Desperate Attempt to Flee
The escape occurred under dramatic circumstances. According to Orutugu, the two men were not the primary suspects in Azuka’s death but played a significant role as drivers for the gang responsible for the kidnapping and subsequent murder of the lawmaker. On February 8, during a police operation aimed at apprehending Tochukwu Akolisa, a key suspect linked to stolen vehicles and the murder of Justice Azuka, both men were present at the scene.
“Akosa was one of the main players in the racket that targeted high-profile victims, and he was being tracked by our team,” Orutugu explained. “When he spotted the police closing in on him, he attempted to flee. The police shot him in the leg and took him into custody.”
However, amidst the chaos and confusion, the two drivers, Ossai and Okoli, managed to escape from a police vehicle. As police operatives gave chase, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and vanished into the nearby bushes, their fate unknown to this day.
“We immediately launched an operation to recapture them, but despite our efforts, they managed to evade arrest,” Orutugu stated. “Our investigation has revealed that they are still on the run, but we are doing everything possible to locate and bring them back into custody.”
The Murder of Justice Azuka: A Case of Brutal Kidnapping
Justice Azuka’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the state. The late lawmaker, known for his staunch dedication to justice, was abducted on December 24, 2024, while traveling in Onitsha, one of the busiest cities in Anambra. His family and colleagues were left in agony, waiting for any word on his fate. Despite multiple attempts by security forces to locate the missing legislator, it wasn’t until February 6, 2025, that the decomposing body of Justice Azuka was found near the Second Niger Bridge.
The public outcry over the brutal killing intensified as the details surrounding Azuka’s death became clearer. Investigations revealed that the late lawmaker had been kidnapped by a gang involved in vehicle theft and ransom collection. His captors likely hoped to extract a hefty ransom from the family, but the lawmaker’s lifeless body was found weeks later, adding another tragic chapter to the growing tale of kidnappings across the region.
Security Breach and Public Trust
The escape of Ossai and Okoli has further escalated tensions between the public and the police, highlighting concerns over security measures in the state. The Anambra State Police Command has long been criticized for its inability to contain the surge in criminal activity, with many questioning the competence of law enforcement officers to effectively manage high-risk suspects.
“We are extremely disappointed by the escape,” said Mrs. Ngozi Nwosu, a resident of Awka. “This case has exposed a major weakness in the system. If these men can escape from a secure facility, how can we trust the police to protect us from criminals on the streets?”
Orutugu’s comments during the press briefing reflected the pressure the police force is under. He assured the public that they would be held accountable for their mistakes. “I have already briefed the Force Headquarters about the situation, and necessary steps have been taken, including the implementation of new operational strategies aimed at ensuring that such a breach does not happen again,” Orutugu promised. “The officers involved in this lapse will face disciplinary action.”
A Community in Fear and Anticipation
As the search for Ossai and Okoli continues, Anambra residents remain on edge, uncertain about what might happen next. The police are combing through forests and nearby areas where the suspects are believed to have fled, but so far, there has been little success in tracking them down. The incident raises crucial questions about the capacity of the police force in handling complex cases involving high-profile criminal activity.
“I don’t feel safe anymore,” said Ifeanyi Okafor, a local businessman in Onitsha. “We hear about criminals being arrested, but then they escape like this. It’s like they are more powerful than the law. Something needs to change.”
The escape of the suspected killers of Justice Azuka is not just an issue of criminal justice—it’s a matter of public trust and security. While the police are working tirelessly to re-arrest the suspects, the question remains: can they ensure the safety of Anambra’s citizens in the face of such brazen criminal acts?
