Escape of Lawmaker’s Killers: Soludo Visits RRS Awkuzu, Briefed on Re-Arrest Efforts
The ongoing efforts to bring the fleeing suspects involved in the kidnapping and murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a prominent lawmaker from Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, have taken a new turn as the Commissioner of Police for Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reassured the public that the authorities are making substantial progress toward re-arresting the individuals responsible for this heinous crime. The recent update was provided during a visit to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Formation in Awkuzu, a strategic location within the state, on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
The unfortunate incident, which involved the gruesome abduction and subsequent killing of the lawmaker, Hon. Justice Azuka, had sent shockwaves across the state, deeply unsettling both the political elite and the ordinary residents. His murder, particularly because of his standing as a lawmaker, raised serious concerns regarding the increasing threat posed by criminal elements to public figures and political actors within Anambra. However, the subsequent developments and actions from the state government and police have raised hopes that the culprits will soon be apprehended and brought to justice.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, alongside CP Ikioye Orutugu, visited the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Formation in Awkuzu for a comprehensive assessment of the unit’s current capacity and performance in the wake of recent events. The primary purpose of the visit was not only to review the current status of security operations in the state but also to ensure that the police have the resources, manpower, and operational strategies needed to prevent the recurrence of similar criminal acts in the future.
The Governor’s presence at the RRS facility highlighted his commitment to ensuring that the safety of all Anambra residents is prioritized. Governor Soludo, who has been an advocate for improved security measures within the state, listened attentively to the briefings provided by CP Orutugu, which covered the current state of the law enforcement agencies and their response to the growing security challenges in Anambra.
During the visit, CP Orutugu reassured the Governor and the public that the police were fully committed to tracking down the suspects involved in the killing of Hon. Justice Azuka. He emphasized that security forces were leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to ensure that those responsible for this tragic crime face the full wrath of the law. The police have also initiated efforts to strengthen the operational structure of the RRS unit, including a thorough review of all suspects currently in custody.
One of the key takeaways from the visit was the announcement of a reorganization of the Rapid Response Squad, which has been a critical component of the Anambra State Police Command’s strategy for maintaining law and order. This restructuring is aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the unit in dealing with criminal activities, including kidnappings, armed robbery, and other violent crimes that have plagued the region in recent months.
CP Orutugu explained that the reorganization would involve improving the operational efficiency of the unit by reviewing the procedures for suspect handling and ensuring that there is complete transparency and accountability in investigations. This would help guarantee that the police are better equipped to collect evidence and build stronger cases against suspects, ultimately leading to more successful prosecutions in the court of law.
Governor Soludo, in his remarks, expressed his support for these efforts and stressed that the state government would continue to provide the necessary backing to law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime. The Governor also reiterated the importance of collaboration between the police and the public, calling for greater community engagement in the pursuit of justice. His statement underscored his commitment to tackling the issue of insecurity head-on and ensuring that criminals would not be allowed to operate freely in Anambra.
In addition to the reorganization of the RRS unit, CP Orutugu outlined a number of new security measures that the police are implementing to prevent similar crimes. These measures include strengthening intelligence gathering, increasing patrols, and improving the collaboration between various security agencies. The Commissioner emphasized that these actions are part of a broader strategy to clamp down on criminal activity across Anambra State, with particular attention being paid to areas that have experienced a rise in violent crimes.
A key aspect of the new approach involves using technology to improve the efficiency of law enforcement. The police are investing in modern tools and equipment that will enable them to gather crucial evidence in criminal investigations and track down suspects more effectively. The CP also mentioned that the police are working closely with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS), to create a more unified front against criminal activities.
By strengthening evidence gathering, CP Orutugu believes that the police will be better positioned to achieve successful prosecutions. This would, in turn, serve as a deterrent to potential criminals, showing that the law is capable of holding wrongdoers accountable. Governor Soludo’s support for these measures, coupled with the additional resources being allocated to the police, is expected to make a significant difference in the state’s fight against crime.
As part of the broader efforts to restore public confidence in the police, CP Orutugu assured the people of Anambra that the police would continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and transparency in all their operations. The reorganization of the RRS is not just about improving the effectiveness of law enforcement, but also about rebuilding trust between the police and the community.
The Commissioner emphasized that the police would continue to engage with the public through community policing initiatives, town hall meetings, and other outreach programs. By building stronger relationships with residents, the police hope to encourage greater cooperation from the public in the fight against crime. CP Orutugu also noted that the police would be more proactive in addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education, which often lead people into criminal activities.
Governor Soludo echoed these sentiments, stating that the state government would continue to invest in programs aimed at addressing social issues that contribute to crime. He acknowledged that tackling insecurity requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond just law enforcement. Therefore, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the overall welfare of Anambra residents, with particular focus on youth empowerment and economic development.
The police’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators of Hon. Justice Azuka’s murder to justice was reiterated during the visit. CP Orutugu assured the Governor that all available resources were being utilized to track down the suspects who had gone into hiding following the crime. Although details regarding the identities and whereabouts of the suspects have not been disclosed, law enforcement officials are reportedly making steady progress in their efforts to locate them.
The police have issued a call for assistance from the public, urging anyone with information about the suspects to come forward and share what they know. In addition to traditional investigative techniques, the police are also leveraging modern technology, including surveillance footage and digital forensics, to build a case against the fleeing suspects.
Governor Soludo’s visit to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu has provided a much-needed boost to the morale of law enforcement personnel and reassured Anambra residents that their safety remains a top priority. The Governor’s leadership and active involvement in the fight against crime demonstrate his determination to tackle insecurity head-on and ensure that justice is served for the victims of violent crimes, including the tragic death of Hon. Justice Azuka.
By taking a personal interest in the operations of the police and overseeing the efforts to reorganize the RRS unit, Governor Soludo has sent a clear message that his administration is committed to ensuring that criminals are brought to justice and that law and order are maintained across the state. The Governor’s proactive approach to crime prevention and law enforcement will likely strengthen public confidence in the police and encourage greater collaboration between the community and security agencies.
As the efforts to re-arrest the suspects in the Hon. Justice Azuka murder case continue, it is hoped that the measures outlined during the visit to the RRS Awkuzu will result in a more secure Anambra State. With the reorganization of the RRS, improved intelligence gathering, and increased community engagement, Anambra is poised to become a safer environment for residents and businesses alike.
Governor Soludo’s visit to the RRS and the subsequent reassurances from CP Ikioye Orutugu have shown that the state’s leadership is determined to restore peace and security in the region. By strengthening law enforcement capabilities and fostering a more collaborative relationship with the public, Anambra is set to make significant strides in combating crime and ensuring that those responsible for heinous acts are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
The reorganization of the RRS unit and the renewed focus on professionalism and accountability in the police force are crucial steps in the right direction. As Anambra continues to recover from the shock of recent crimes, the leadership’s commitment to improving security and the rule of law will undoubtedly help restore confidence and safety in the state.
