Rita Odafe
The Police Command in Anambra State has reported the capture of nine individuals suspected of involvement in the violent death of Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North Constituency 1.
Justice Azuka was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, in Onitsha, and his remains were located on the morning of February 6, 2025, near the 2nd Niger Bridge, discovered by a combined team of police and Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) personnel.
The police chief, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, confirmed that the suspects had been detained during a Friday press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka.
According to Itam, after the discovery of Azuka’s body, officers obtained critical intelligence which led to the arrests of nine people implicated in this tragedy, along with seizing two pump-action rifles.
“One of the detainees was injured in the leg following an exchange of gunfire with our operatives,” Itam noted.
The identified suspects include Ugochukwu Onuorah (30), Ikemefuna Ossai (20), Ikenna Orugu (27), Chibuike Obiefuna (19), and Chinonso Olisa (19).
Others in custody are Chinedu Okoli (21), David Ojini (25), and Peter Sunday (20), noted by authorities as particularly notorious, featuring a tattoo that reads “No Peace 4 the Government” prominently displayed on his chest.
The police commissioner further revealed that Chidiebere Nwosu, another suspect linked to kidnapping, was apprehended in the Uruagu region of Nnewi. This operation led to the elimination of some of his accomplices following their attack on Rapid Response Squad members during an arrest on October 3, 2024.
Additionally, the Commissioner stated, “Our efforts have led to reducing crime significantly, eliminating over 100 notorious offenders, and dismantling various criminal hideouts across locations including Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, and Ogbaru.”
