The Anambra State Police Command has announced the re-arrest of Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect linked to the kidnapping and murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha 1 Constituency.
According to the police Press Release signed by the PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Ossai was recaptured on May 7, 2025, in Asaba, Delta State, after a thorough investigation and intelligence-led operation that spanned multiple states and a neighboring West African country. The suspect had previously escaped custody, prompting a massive manhunt.
During the arrest, Ossai attempted to flee but was swiftly subdued and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. The police have briefed relevant stakeholders, including the victim’s family and the Anambra State House of Assembly, and have expressed regret over the operational lapses that led to the suspect’s earlier escape.
The police command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the heinous crime. Actionable intelligence obtained from Ossai is currently aiding ongoing operations.
The Anambra State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of the citizens.
The Release Read
*RE-ARREST OF ESCAPED KIDNAP SUSPECT LINKED TO THE MURDER OF LATE HON. JUSTICE AZUKA*
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.
This rearrest followed a painstaking and intelligence-led operation. The suspect, who had previously escaped custody, was tracked across multiple states within Nigeria and even into a neighbouring West African country. 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.
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.
Further to this development, actionable intelligence obtained from the suspect is currently aiding ongoing operations. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitive and dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterates its unwavering resolve to bring all perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of Ndi Anambra.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka
13th May, 2025
