The Anambra State Police Command said on Tuesday that it had successfully rearrested one Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect in the kidnapping and gruesome murder of the Member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.

A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said that his rearrest followed a painstaking and intelligence-led operation.

He stated that the suspect had escaped custody and was tracked across multiple states within Nigeria and even into a neighbouring West African country.

“He was eventually apprehended on 7th May 2025 in Asaba, Delta State. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to escape arrest but was swiftly subdued and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg in the process,” he said.

Ikenga said that the Command, in its continued commitment to transparency and accountability, had briefed relevant stakeholders, including the family of the late lawmaker and the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly.

“During the engagement, the Commissioner of Police acknowledged and expressed regret over the operational lapses that led to the suspect’s earlier escape.

“Further to this development, actionable intelligence obtained from the suspect is currently aiding ongoing operations. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitive and dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime,” he added.

He reiterated the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to bring all perpetrators in the crime to justice and ensure the safety and security of Anambra State residents