The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the immediate re-arrest of two suspects in an armed robbery case after an administrative lapse by a police prosecutor was identified.

The suspects, Onyebuchi Nwobodo and Ebube Umezumba, had previously been released despite their alleged involvement in the offence.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the Spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that fresh testimony from victims implicated the two men as active participants in the armed robbery incident.

“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed the immediate re-arrest of one Onyebuchi Nwobodo and Ebube Umezumba, alleged criminal offenders over a case of armed robbery, following the discovery of an administrative lapse by a police prosecutor,” the statement read.

SP Ikenga added that the command had filed a new charge before the High Court sitting in Anambra State to ensure that justice is duly served. He further noted that CP Orutugu, emphasising a zero-tolerance stance on professional negligence, had ordered disciplinary measures against officers involved in the error.

“Such lapses will not be condoned under his watch,” the statement said.
According to SP Ikenga, this development underscores the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.

The re-arrest of Nwobodo and Umezumba follows a precedent in Anambra State, where similar corrective actions have been taken in high-profile cases. On 13th May 2025, the command re-arrested Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect linked to the kidnapping and murder of the late Onitsha 1 Constituency lawmaker, Justice Azuka.

Ossai had initially been apprehended on 6th February 2025, but escaped custody on 18th February while in police accompaniment to apprehend another suspect.

SP Ikenga detailed that Ossai was eventually recaptured on 7th May 2025 in Asaba, Delta State, following a painstaking, intelligence-led operation that tracked the suspect across several states and a neighbouring West African country.

“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to flee but was subdued and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg in the process,” SP Ikenga said.