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In a coordinated operation on Thursday, the Anambra State Police Command and state vigilante operatives apprehended nine suspects allegedly linked to the assassination of Anambra State lawmaker, Justice Azuka. Security officials say the arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown aimed at dismantling criminal networks behind high-profile attacks in the region.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnaghe Itam, announced on Friday that nine suspects had been taken into custody in connection with the murder of state lawmaker Justice Azuka. Azuka, who served as the representative for Onitsha North Constituency 1, was abducted in Onitsha on December 24, 2024, an incident that has since drawn widespread condemnation.
The grim discovery of Justice Azuka’s decomposing body on the 2nd Niger Bridge was made on Thursday by a coordinated security team comprising police and vigilante operatives. Police Commissioner Nnaghe Itam, who confirmed the arrests, stated that two pump-action guns were recovered from the suspects. He further revealed that one of the accused sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during an armed exchange with security forces.
The suspects, as identified by Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Itam, include Ugochukwu Onuorah (30), Ikemefuna Ossai (20), Ikenna Orugu (27), Chibuike Obiefuna (19), Chinonso Olisa (19), Chinedu Okoli (21), and David Ojini (25). However, authorities noted Peter Sunday (20) as the most notorious of the group, distinguished by a tattoo on his chest that read, “No peace 4 d Government.”
Read also: Decomposing Body Of Missing Anambra Lawmaker Azuka Found
“We have also neutralised more than one hundred (100) notorious criminals and successfully destroyed many criminal camps in Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, Ogbaru and many other places in the State.
He expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his guidance and overall support, and also appreciated the governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, sister Agencies, the Media, residents of the State, Anambra State Vigilante operatives, Civil Society Groups, Organizations and many others for their unflinching support within the months that he has spent in the State as the Commissioner of Police.
He assured that the confidence reposed on the Police and other security agencies for the protection of the lives and properties of residents is not to be taken for granted.
