Two Suspects in the Murder of Anambra Lawmaker Hon. Justice Azuka Escape Police custody
The shocking death of Hon. Justice Azuka, a respected member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, has left the people of Anambra State reeling with grief and anger. The lawmaker, who was kidnapped in December 2024, was found dead in early February 2025 under mysterious and gruesome circumstances. Two suspects in the murder have managed to escape police custody, sparking a widespread manhunt by law enforcement officials across the state. The tragic turn of events has prompted public outcry and raised serious concerns about the safety of public officials and the growing wave of political violence in Nigeria.
Hon. Justice Azuka, a vocal and influential figure in Anambra State politics, was abducted in December 2024 while returning home . The kidnapping occurred late at night, with armed men ambushing his vehicle on a deserted road just outside his residence. The lawmaker’s security detail was overpowered by the attackers, who swiftly took him into captivity and fled the scene.
The abduction sent shockwaves through the local community, as Azuka was known for his integrity and commitment to serving his constituents. Despite the kidnapping, the police were quick to launch a search for the lawmaker, and a ransom demand was reportedly made by the kidnappers. The family, however, kept details of the ransom negotiations confidential, fearing it could jeopardize the chances of Azuka’s safe return.
For weeks, there was no word on Azuka’s whereabouts, leaving his family, friends, and colleagues in a state of intense anxiety. During this period, rumors circulated about the possibility of political motivations behind the kidnapping. Given Azuka’s outspoken stance on key political issues, it was suggested by some that the kidnapping could have been orchestrated by political enemies or factions seeking to silence his voice.
Despite efforts by law enforcement agencies and political leaders to secure his release, the lawmaker remained in the hands of his captors throughout December 2024 and January 2025. The police intensified their investigation into the kidnapping, but the search for the abductors yielded no substantial leads.
After more than a month of uncertainty, Hon. Justice Azuka’s body was discovered on February 10, 2025, in a remote location near the outskirts of Anambra State. His body, which had been dumped by his captors, showed clear signs of torture and abuse. It is believed that Azuka had been brutally treated during his time in captivity, although the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed.
Upon discovery, law enforcement officials quickly arrived at the scene and began their investigation. Forensic teams were brought in to conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, but early reports indicated that the lawmaker had died from multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma. His body was reportedly found in a state that suggested he had suffered both physical and psychological abuse prior to his death.
The murder of Hon. Justice Azuka has shocked not only his family and constituents but also the entire political establishment of Anambra State. His death has raised questions about the extent of political violence in the region and the dangers faced by lawmakers and public officials who challenge the status quo.
Following the discovery of Azuka’s body, the Anambra State Police Command immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Law enforcement officials pieced together evidence and testimonies from witnesses who had been in contact with the lawmaker’s family during his kidnapping.
According to a police statement, investigators were able to track down two suspects in the case—individuals who were allegedly involved in both the kidnapping and the subsequent murder. The police have not officially named the suspects but have stated that they are known to have been in the area on the night of Azuka’s abduction and were allegedly seen in the vicinity of the lawmaker’s residence on the day of his death.
However, before the authorities could formally charge the suspects, a shocking twist occurred: the two men managed to escape from police custody. Reports suggest that the escape took place while the suspects were being transferred to a higher security facility for further questioning. The circumstances surrounding their escape remain unclear, though rumors indicate that there may have been an inside help in facilitating their flight from custody.
The escape of the two suspects has prompted an urgent manhunt by the Anambra State Police, who have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their quest to capture the fugitives. Roadblocks have been set up along major highways and at strategic locations around Anambra, and security forces are actively searching homes, businesses, and abandoned buildings in an attempt to locate the escapees.
Anambra State Police spokesperson, Uche Chukwudi, stated that efforts are being made to track down the suspects both within the state and in neighboring areas. The police have issued an official appeal to the public for any information that could lead to the capture of the fugitives, urging citizens to report any suspicious activity. Chukwudi confirmed that federal law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), have also been called in to assist with the manhunt.
“The police are working around the clock to ensure that the suspects are brought to justice,” Chukwudi said in a statement. “We are committed to making sure that those responsible for this heinous crime face the full force of the law.”
Despite the intense efforts by the police, the suspects have remained elusive, and authorities are concerned that the fugitives may have fled to other parts of the country or crossed into neighboring states. There are also fears that the suspects may be able to rely on powerful political or criminal connections to evade capture.
The murder of Hon. Justice Azuka has sent ripples through the political landscape of Anambra State and beyond. Azuka, who had served as a lawmaker for several years, was known for his staunch views on political reform and his willingness to challenge corrupt practices within the state government. His outspoken position on various issues had earned him both supporters and detractors, and some political analysts have speculated that his murder may have been politically motivated.
As a key player in Anambra’s political arena, Azuka had made several public statements that angered rival political factions. It is widely believed that his murder could be a targeted act of political violence aimed at silencing a powerful voice of dissent. His critics argue that Azuka’s views on government transparency and his calls for accountability may have made him enemies within the political establishment.
Moreover, the fact that Azuka’s abduction and eventual death took place amidst a climate of rising political tension in Anambra State only fuels speculation about the motivations behind his killing. Many have pointed to the increasing frequency of politically motivated violence in the region, where attacks on public officials have become more common in recent years.
Azuka’s murder is part of a disturbing trend of rising political violence in Nigeria. From the kidnapping of politicians to targeted assassinations, the country’s political landscape has become increasingly fraught with danger for those who challenge entrenched power structures. Political killings, often linked to electoral disputes, corruption, and rivalries, have become a significant concern for lawmakers and public officials across the country.
Human rights organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have expressed their condemnation of Azuka’s murder and called for an investigation into the role of powerful political forces in orchestrating such attacks. The NBA has called on the federal government to take decisive action against those responsible for the murder and to provide greater protection for politicians, activists, and other public figures who may be at risk.
The loss of Hon. Justice Azuka has left his family, friends, and supporters devastated. His wife, children, and colleagues in the Anambra State House of Assembly have expressed their shock and grief over the brutal murder. Azuka’s legacy as a principled and hardworking lawmaker who fought for the rights of his constituents will undoubtedly be remembered by those who knew him.
The Anambra State Assembly held a special session to honor Azuka’s memory, with lawmakers offering tributes to their fallen colleague. In a statement issued by the state assembly, the leadership called for an end to political violence and urged the government to take immediate action to ensure the safety of lawmakers and public officials.
As the manhunt for the escapees continues, the people of Anambra State are calling for justice for Hon. Justice Azuka. His tragic death has highlighted the dangers that public officials face in an environment where political violence remains rampant. The case has also underscored the need for stronger security measures and political reforms in Nigeria to ensure that such killings do not continue.
The public is demanding answers, not just in terms of bringing the perpetrators to justice, but also in addressing the broader issue of political violence in Nigeria. The murder of Hon. Azuka serves as a reminder that the fight for democracy and transparency in Nigerian politics comes at a high cost, and the quest for justice must not be ignored.
As the investigation unfolds and the search for the suspects intensifies, the people of Anambra and the entire nation are waiting to see whether justice will be served. The tragic loss of Hon. Justice Azuka has left a void in the political landscape, and the fight for truth and accountability will continue in his memory.
