Police re-arrest fleeing suspect linked to murder of Anambra lawmaker

The Anambra police command says it has re-arrested Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect linked to the murder of Justice Azuka, a lawmaker the state.

Azuka, who represented Onitsha north constituency, was attacked by gunmen along Ugwunapampa road in Onitsha, Anambra state, while returning home for the Christmas celebration.

His decomposing body was later found on the Second Niger Bridge after being held captive by his abductors for more than one month.

On February 19, two suspected killers of the lawmaker escaped from police custody.

Since then, there has been calls from different quarters demanding justice for the slain lawmaker.

A statement on Monday by Tochukwu Ikenga, police spokesperson in the state, said the suspect was apprehended on May 7 in Asaba, Delta state.

“The Anambra state police command wishes to inform the public that its operatives have successfully rearrested one Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect in the kidnapping and gruesome murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka, the distinguished Member representing Onitsha 1 constituency in the Anambra state house of assembly,” the statement reads.

“This rearrest followed a painstaking and intelligence-led operation.”

Ikenga noted that the command tracked the suspect across multiple states in the country and in a neighbouring West African country before his arrest.

The police spokesperson added that the suspect sustained a gunshot injury to his leg while attempting to evade arrest.

He reiterated the command’s resolve to bringing the perpetrators to book, noting that efforts were in place to arrest other fleeing suspects.

“He was eventually apprehended on 7th May 2025 in Asaba, Delta State. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to escape arrest but was swiftly subdued and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg in the process,” Ikenga said.

“The police command in its continued commitment to transparency and accountability, has briefed relevant stakeholders including the family of the late lawmaker and the leadership of the Anambra state house of assembly.

“During the engagement, the commissioner of Police acknowledged and expressed regret over the operational lapses that led to the suspect’s earlier escape.”