PHOTOS: New Anambra CP assumes duty, visits scene of triple murder

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has assumed office as the 35th Commissioner of Police for the Anambra State Police Command.

Orutugu’s appointment follows the redeployment of the former commissioner, CP Nnaghe Itam, to the force headquarters.

Orutugu officially resumed his duties on Monday and immediately visited the scene of a tragic incident in Nnewichi, Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA), where three siblings—a five-year-old boy and two girls aged seven and nine—were found murdered and stuffed into a refrigerator.

The children were reportedly killed while their parents were away.

Following the incident, the police sealed off the building for investigation. During his visit, CP Orutugu met with the victim’s parents, who guided him and other officers through the house, including the room where the crime occurred.

Speaking to journalists, Orutugu expressed his condolences to the family and reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to resolve the case.

He assured the family that the command would uncover the circumstances of the crime and ensure that the perpetrators were arrested and brought to justice.

“We are here today on a spot assessment of the unfortunate incident of the murder of three siblings and kept in the fridge here in Nnewi,” Orutugu said. “I am also here to console the family/relatives of the victims and to reiterate the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command over this unwholesome crime, unlike other similar incidents recorded in the state which bordered on kidnapping of individuals and sudden disappearance of persons.

“We shall unravel the circumstances surrounding such and ensure that the suspects are arrested and justice served. Undoubtedly, the Command has been bold in confronting these challenges and indeed recorded several successes lately in curbing some of these crimes.

“I have been briefed on how Ndi Anambra and the State Government, through the launch of Operation Udo Ga Chi, have risen to collectively and joined voices in condemning any act that threatens our national peace and has resolved to work together and discuss those issues that tear us apart, not minding our differences.

“To support this move, the Command under my watch shall take every professional step in crime prevention to enhance crime-fighting strategies through strategic deployment of our intelligence assets and robust synergy with sister security agencies, organised vigilante groups and other stakeholders.”

Orutugu also outlined his broader security goals for Anambra, including reclaiming public spaces and maintaining law and order throughout the state. He stressed the importance of collaboration with other security agencies, local vigilante groups, and the public in tackling crime and ensuring safety.

He thanked the media for their role in reporting security incidents and called on the people of Anambra to remain law-abiding and vigilant. He warned criminals to cease their activities, assuring them that the police would act decisively against all forms of criminality.

Orutugu, born on August 3, 1966, hails from Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State. He joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 and has held various important positions throughout his career, including in homicide investigations and command roles in several states.

Orutugu holds a BSc in Political Science, a Master’s degree in Public Administration, and a PhD in Sociology of Education.