Anambra Police Rearrest Murder Suspect Linked To Lawmaker’s Death

The Anambra State Police Command has rearrested Ikemefuna Ossai, one of the prime suspects in the murder of Honorable Justice Azuka, who had earlier escaped from custody.

Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha I Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, was abducted in Onitsha on December 24, 2024, while returning home to celebrate the Christmas holidays. Tragically, his decomposing body was discovered on February 6, 2025, near the Second Niger Bridge by a joint team of security operatives.

Two suspects, Ikemefuna Ossai and Chinedu Okoli, were arrested in connection with the killing. However, both escaped from custody on February 8, 2025, during a police-led operation aimed at apprehending other members of the criminal syndicate in Onitsha.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that Ossai was rearrested following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation.

“The suspect, who had previously escaped from custody, was traced across several states and even tracked into a neighboring West African country. He was eventually apprehended on May 7, 2025, in Asaba, Delta State. During the arrest, he attempted to flee but was quickly overpowered by operatives and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg,” Ikenga said.

He further revealed that the Command has notified key stakeholders, including the family of the late lawmaker and the Anambra State House of Assembly, of the latest development. The Commissioner of Police, during a briefing, admitted to lapses that enabled the earlier escape and expressed regret over the incident.

Intelligence obtained from the suspect is reportedly assisting ongoing operations as the police continue to track down the remaining fugitive and work to dismantle the criminal network responsible for the murder.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice and public safety, the Anambra State Police Command assured residents that all those involved in the crime will be brought to book.