Justice Azuka’s Murder: Anambra Police Yet to Recapture Two Suspects Who Escaped From Cell
The Anambra State Police Command has found itself embroiled in controversy after two suspects linked to the brutal murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a lawmaker representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, escaped from police custody. The incident has raised serious concerns over the integrity of the state police and its ability to secure high-profile detainees. While the police have acknowledged the lapses in their operations, the search for the suspects continues, but no arrests have yet been made.
The two suspects, whose identities have not been fully disclosed, were in police custody in connection with the violent murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, whose tragic death has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Anambra State. Justice Azuka was killed under mysterious circumstances, and the investigation had quickly drawn attention to a group of individuals connected to the crime. However, on an undisclosed date, the two suspects managed to escape from their holding cell.
The fact that they were able to escape without any immediate action by the authorities has raised serious concerns regarding the competency and preparedness of the Anambra State Police. It took eight days for the police to publicly acknowledge the escape, a delay that has only added fuel to the fire. According to reports, the public was not informed about the escape until media outlets like Geencee revealed the situation. This delay in transparency has caused significant distrust among the public and political stakeholders in Anambra State.
In an official statement issued on February 27, 2025, the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, publicly admitted to operational lapses that allowed the suspects to escape from the police custody. The police have expressed regret for this security failure and assured the public that steps are being taken to recapture the fugitives. SP Ikenga’s statement emphasized the commitment of the police force to ensuring justice for the slain lawmaker and ensuring that those responsible for his murder are held accountable.
“The Anambra State Police Command has taken full responsibility for the operational lapses of our operatives regarding the escape of the two suspects involved in the gruesome murder of Hon Justice Azuka, Honourable Member representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency,” Ikenga said.
The police also confirmed that efforts to locate and recapture the two suspects were ongoing. They assured that no stone would be left unturned in their pursuit of justice for Hon. Justice Azuka.
The escape of the two suspects has sparked public outrage, particularly among political leaders, law enforcement critics, and stakeholders in Anambra State. Members of the Labour Party caucus in the Anambra State House of Assembly have accused the state police of complicity in the escape, suggesting that the event might not have been entirely accidental. The Labour Party has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape and for those responsible for the security lapse to be held accountable.
This sentiment of distrust and suspicion has been echoed by other concerned groups, who have pointed to the fact that the police delayed their announcement for a full eight days after the escape was discovered. This delay has only served to amplify rumors and fuel conspiracy theories, with some members of the public speculating that the escape might have been orchestrated to cover up certain political connections or to shield higher-level figures involved in the crime.
The slow response and lack of transparency in this case have resulted in widespread calls for reforms in the Anambra State Police Force. Critics argue that this incident is indicative of larger systemic issues within the police force, including incompetence, corruption, and poor internal security protocols. Many residents and political figures are now questioning the ability of the police to conduct effective investigations or to keep dangerous suspects under lock and key.
The delayed release of a public statement regarding the escape has only fueled the public’s dissatisfaction with the police. The fact that it took eight days for the Anambra State Police to issue an official statement regarding the incident raises questions about the internal communication and operational transparency of the police command. Many have pointed out that such delays in information could severely hinder efforts to recapture the suspects, and in some cases, the lack of timely communication can contribute to growing public anxiety and unrest.
Despite this, the police have emphasized their commitment to transparency moving forward, vowing to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses. They urged the people of Anambra to refrain from making inflammatory remarks that could potentially escalate tensions further.
“While noting the right of individuals or groups for freedom of speech, the Command urges relevant stakeholders to exercise restraint on the comments and reactions to avoid inciting one another to prevent the escalation of tensions,” stated SP Ikenga.
The police spokesperson also appealed to residents of Anambra State to cooperate with law enforcement in their efforts to maintain peace and ensure that justice is served in the case of Hon. Justice Azuka’s murder.
Hon. Justice Azuka was a well-respected lawmaker from the Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. His tragic murder has been described as brutal and premeditated, with many pointing to political motivations behind the killing. Justice Azuka had been a vocal and influential figure in the state legislature, and his sudden death has left a void in the political landscape of Anambra State.
The investigation into his murder has been ongoing since his death, with authorities quickly narrowing their focus to a small group of suspects who were believed to have been directly involved in the crime. The escape of the two key suspects linked to the murder has now placed a significant strain on the investigation, as the police continue to chase down leads and attempt to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Despite the setbacks, the police have reassured the public that they are fully committed to bringing all the perpetrators of Justice Azuka’s murder to justice. They have reiterated that every effort is being made to ensure the remaining suspects are found and that the law will take its course.
The Role of the Public in the Investigation
As the manhunt for the two suspects continues, the Anambra State Police Command has called on the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of the escapees to law enforcement agencies. The police have appealed for cooperation in helping to track down the individuals who are believed to be dangerous and capable of committing further crimes.
Furthermore, the police have requested that residents avoid taking matters into their own hands or engaging in vigilante justice, which could complicate the investigation or lead to unnecessary violence. They have assured the public that the full force of the law will be used to apprehend the escapees and that justice will prevail.
Conclusion
The escape of the two suspects linked to the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the security and efficiency of the Anambra State Police Force. While the police have admitted their operational lapses and pledged to recapture the suspects, the delayed response to the escape and the growing suspicions about the incident have led to increased tension in the state.
The public is now waiting for further updates from law enforcement, as the investigation continues and the search for the escapees intensifies. The murder of Justice Azuka has already caused significant upheaval in Anambra State, and with the two suspects still at large, the pressure on the police to solve this case and restore public trust in their ability to enforce the law is mounting.
As this case unfolds, it will be crucial for the police to act swiftly, maintain transparency, and ensure that all those involved in the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka are held accountable for their actions. The people of Anambra are watching closely, hoping that justice will be served and that the escape of these suspects will not derail the pursuit of truth and justice in this high-profile case.
