Anambra State Police Commissioner, Ikioye Orutugu, said on Friday that the two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of the member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka, but escaped while assisting officials in arresting the receiver of the belongings of their victims, were drivers for the criminal gang.

He gave their names as Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, saying they fled from a security vehicle during the arrest of Tochukwu Akolisa.

Briefing journalists in Awka, Anambra State, he stated that efforts were in top gear to re-arrest them, just as he denied the complicity of his officials in the act.

He said: “It is important to reiterate that this unfortunate incident occurred two days before I formally assumed office as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, on 10th February 2025. However, upon receiving intelligence regarding this case on 18th February 2025, I deemed it necessary to brief Ndi Anambra and the general public, reaffirming the command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the state.

“Recognising the gravity of this development, I personally took measures to ensure a meticulous investigation aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the case.

“Findings from our investigation confirm that the incident took place on 8th February 2025 in Obosi. Two suspects, identified as Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, are among the eleven (11) suspects already apprehended and paraded by the command. While they are not the principal actors in the crime, they serve as drivers for the criminal gang. The duo was assisting operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RSS) Awkuzu in apprehending one Tochukwu Akolisa from Anambra State. According to their statements, Tochukwu Akolisa was one of the receivers or buyers of stolen vehicles and belongings of their victims.

“During an operation to arrest Tochukwu Akolisa, he attempted to flee upon sighting the police operatives, who were accompanied by Ikemefuna and Chinedu. In the course of this operation, Tochukwu Akolisa was shot in the leg and taken into custody. However, in the ensuing confusion, the two suspects managed to escape in a vehicle. Despite an immediate pursuit by police operatives, they abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush. Unfortunately, all efforts to re-arrest them have so far been unsuccessful.”

He said he considers it a priority to ensure the re-arrest of the suspects and to implement stringent measures to prevent such security breaches in the future.

He said he had duly briefed the Force Headquarters on the current situation and the steps taken, including activating operational strategies to apprehend the suspects at large and initiating disciplinary actions against officers whose lapses contributed to their escape.

Ikioye further stated that within the period he took over the helm of affairs of the security landscape, he had made some breakthroughs.

He said one Orji Chigozie was arrested with a locally fabricated Beretta pistol concealed inside a bag in Onitsha and that an abducted victim was rescued at Nkwelle Ezunaka, among other achievements.
He assured the public that his command was dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

“The Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency in internal security, will continue to work in synergy with the military, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups to enhance operational capacity, security coverage, and tactical efficiency. Our goal is to disrupt criminal activities and ensure that Anambra State remains a safe and secure environment for all,” he said.