Nine Suspects Arrested in Murder of Nigerian Lawmaker Justice Azuka
Police in Anambra State arrested nine suspects tied to the murder of Justice Azuka, a state assembly member abducted on December 24, 2024. His body was found at the Second Niger Bridge. The arrests followed a joint operation by police and vigilantes. Commissioner Obono praised the efforts of law enforcement and community support in combating crime.
In Anambra State, Nigeria, police have arrested nine individuals suspected of murdering Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra House of Assembly. The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono, revealed the arrests during a press conference at the police headquarters, emphasizing the responsibility of a collaborative security effort to apprehend these suspects amid ongoing investigations into the case.
Justice Azuka was abducted on December 24, 2024, while returning home for the Christmas holiday. His body was discovered in a decomposing state at the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha by a combined team of police and vigilante groups. The shocking crime prompted heightened efforts to track down his killers.
During the press briefing, Commissioner Obono confirmed that a joint operation led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of two pump-action guns. Notably, one suspect was reportedly injured in a confrontation with police. The arrested individuals were identified as Ugochukwu Onuorah (30), Ikemefuna Ossai (20), Ikenna Orugu (27), Chibuike Obiefuna (19), and Chinonso Olisa (19).
In addition to the arrests related to Mr. Azuka’s case, police also captured a suspected kidnapper identified as Chidiebere Nwosu. His gang had previously engaged in a shootout with police, resulting in several presumed criminal associates being killed during these operations. Commissioner Obono indicated that over 100 notorious criminals have been neutralized and numerous criminal hideouts dismantled across the state.
Obono expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, acknowledging their support for police actions in the state. He also highlighted the collaboration from vigilante groups, civil society organizations, and the media as crucial to these ongoing law enforcement efforts.
The situation in Anambra State reflects an ongoing struggle with violent crime, including abductions and murders. The killing of Justice Azuka, a state lawmaker, has underscored the gravity of criminal activities in the region, prompting law enforcement to intensify their operations against organized crime. This case also illustrates the importance of joint operations between police forces and community vigilantes in addressing safety issues effectively.
The police in Anambra State have made significant progress in tackling violent crime, evidenced by the arrests of nine suspects connected to the brutal murder of lawmaker Justice Azuka. The proactive measures taken by security forces, including a collaborative approach with local support networks, highlight a commitment to restoring safety and order in the community.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
